An application seeking conservatory orders to bar Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat from accessing his office, performing his duties, or using any facilities of the National Police Service has been formally withdrawn.
The application, which was tied to the ongoing investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, was dropped after the court was informed that the matter had been overtaken by events.
Appearing before Justice Kavedza, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, representing the petitioner, said they would now seek leave to amend the main petition to reflect the new developments.
“The application is withdrawn as prayed. We will mention the matter on the 10th for directions on the main petition,” the judge ruled.
The withdrawal follows news that Deputy IG Lagat has voluntarily stepped aside pending the outcome of investigations being conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Lagat, in a statement, said his decision was made “in good and conscious thought” of his responsibilities as a senior police leader, to ensure independent investigations into the matter.
His move comes amid growing public pressure from opposition leaders and human rights groups over Ojwang’s death while in police custody a case that has sparked national outrage.
So far, at least six individuals have been charged with Ojwang’s murder, among them Central Police OCS Samson Talam and Officer Mukwana, as investigations continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident
