Seasoned advocate Willis Otieno has raised the alarm, urging Kenyan authorities to take immediate steps to prevent Deputy Inspector‑General (DIG) Eliud Lagat from departing the country.
Otieno cautions that Lagat, a key figure in a high-stakes legal investigation, might attempt to evade justice by leaving the jurisdiction.
Otieno, already well-known for championing rule of law and justice, insists that swift measures—starting with an immediate seizure of Lagat’s passport and a travel ban are necessary.
He fears that without such preemptive mechanisms, Lagat could exploit his position to exit the country.
While Otieno refrained from detailing the allegations publicly, he made clear that inaction could undermine the integrity of any ensuing legal process.
While official confirmation from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is still awaited, Otieno’s warning has intensified public expectations.
Legal observers note that although passport seizures and travel bans fall within legal norms, they must rest on solid legal grounds.
The lack of clarity around what Lagat is being questioned for has intensified both scrutiny and speculation.
Public reactions underscore a divide in opinion. Some support urgent intervention as essential to securing justice, while others warn against infringing on individual rights before charges are filed.
Otieno’s call arrives at a moment when Lagat is already under intense scrutiny following the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Multiple senior officers have faced resignations and investigations, and Attorney Willis Otieno believes there is now sufficient justification to limit movement by individuals under inquiry.
If authorities move to restrict Lagat’s travel, it would mark a decisive shift in how high-profile investigations are conducted in Kenya.
It would also demonstrate respect for due process, balancing the need to prevent flight with the protection of legal rights.
Without decisive action, critics argue, the ongoing inquiry could lose momentum—or worse, credibility.
