Kenya’s deputy police chief steps aside as blogger’s death investigated
Associated PressJUN 16
Lagat exercised his constitutional right to seek legal redress through proper channels when filing a defamation complaint against Ojwang. The justice system worked independently as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed and declined to proceed with the case. Resignation calls are politically motivated since Lagat followed lawful procedures without abusing his office or interfering with the legal process.
Stepping aside has no constitutional or legal basis and serves as a ruse to calm public anger without creating an actual vacancy in office. The Constitution requires either resignation, suspension, or removal from office - not theatrical gestures that allow officials to return to duty. Lagat must resign outright since lingering in power while under suspicion for heinous crimes undermines the rule of law and constitutional accountability.
Lagat has stepped aside to show his commitment to the rule of law and try to appease politically motivated calls for him to resign. There's nothing linking him to what happened to Ojwang, except for his lawful exercise of a constitutional right to file a defamation complaint against the individual who died while in police custody.
Stepping aside is a hollow theatrical gesture designed to calm public anger without real accountability. Lagat will continue in the shadows of power while under suspicion for a heinous crime, in a mockery of justice and the Constitution, unless he resigns outright.
There's an 8% chance that Kenya will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.