As investigations continue into the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang’, scrutiny has intensified around Deputy Inspector General Eliud Kipkoech Lagat—one of Kenya’s highest-ranking police officers—whose decorated career now faces a serious reckoning.
Lagat’s journey from humble beginnings to the upper echelons of law enforcement paints the portrait of a man who steadily climbed the ranks of the National Police Service through technical skill, strategic appointments, and academic discipline.
Born in Nandi County, Lagat joined the Kenya Police Service in 1998 after graduating from the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo.
His early training prepared him for a career that would span over two decades, seeing him serve in various specialized units within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Just two years into his service, Lagat was promoted to Inspector and posted to the Bomb Disposal Unit under the then Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
From 2001 to 2005, he worked as a forensic investigator at DCI Headquarters—one of the earliest indicators of his proficiency in technical and high-stakes assignments.
Over the years, he held several critical roles including Deputy Head of the Crime Scene Support Unit, Head of the Investigations Bureau, and later, Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit.
In 2020, Lagat was appointed Deputy Director of the DCI Reforms Section and two years later, promoted to Director of the Investigations Bureau.
In April 2023, he assumed command of the General Service Unit (GSUa), one of the country’s most elite and sensitive police formations.
His rise culminated in 2024 when he was appointed Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, replacing Douglas Kanja who had been elevated to Inspector General.
Among his responsibilities as DIG, Lagat oversees the daily administration and operational command of the Kenya Police Service, including coordination, supervision, training, and internal oversight.
He was previously among those shortlisted to succeed former DCI boss George Kinoti, whose tenure ended amid allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Away from uniform, Lagat is also academically accomplished, holding a Master’s Degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Bachelor of Technology in Automotive Engineering from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
