Esther Passaris angers Kenyans for defending DIG Eliud Lagat after Albert Ojwang death

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has sparked public outrage after defending Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eluid Langat following the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Passaris took to X to defend DIG Langat, stating that she was with him when the news broke and insisted he appeared shocked and unaware of any wrongdoing.

“You took the words right out of my mouth. I was with the Deputy Inspector General #EluidLagat during a Kenya Alliance of Residents Association meeting on Sunday when the news broke," part of the post read. 

Passaris went on to recount, "He was completely out of the loop. His composure reflected genuine surprise, not that of someone aware of, let alone involved in, the death of Albert Ojwang. Let the investigations be thorough and impartial."

You took the words right out of my mouth. I was with the Deputy Inspector General #EluidLagat during a Kenya Alliance of Residents Association meeting on Sunday when the news broke. He was completely out of the loop. His composure reflected genuine surprise not that of someone… https://t.co/FDRjPmkGsv

— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) June 10, 2025

Her sentiments echoed those of political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi, who had warned against misdirected blame, suggesting that targeting the wrong individuals could allow the real perpetrators to escape justice.

However, Passaris' remarks have been met with backlash from the public. 

Critics accused her of being tone-deaf and prematurely defending a senior police official while investigations are still underway. 

Others felt her comments undermined the growing demand for transparency in a justice system already grappling with concerns over police misconduct.

“As the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions continue investigations, Kenyans are watching closely,” said one Nairobi-based civil society advocate. “This case is no longer just about Albert Ojwang. It’s about systemic abuse and the need for accountability.”

Some reactions on social media reflect the anger and frustration felt by many:

@DrDenisAdisonOuma wrote: “Esther Passaris JUST STOP THIS. Have emotional intelligence and situational awareness on such issues.”

@#AyogolsBlack commented: “It’s ridiculous if innocence/guilt is to be read from people’s facial reactions when bad news breaks.”

Ojwang, who was arrested on June 7, 2025, was allegedly found dead the following morning in cell number 3. While police initially claimed he had hit his head on the wall inside the cell, a post-mortem report revealed blunt force trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries across his body.