Eliud Lagat Biography
Eliud Kipkoech Lagat was born on January 7, 1972, in Nandi County, Kenya. His first formal education began at the Mother of Apostles Seminary, where he undertook rigorous studies that combined academic subjects with moral and ethical training. After completing seminary, he decided to pursue a path in engineering. Eliud Lagat is 53 years old as of 2025.
Eliud Lagat enrolled at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology in Automotive Engineering. This degree equipped him with technical knowledge in engines, mechanics, and vehicle design, setting him apart as a professional who could bridge theory with hands‑on work. Driven by a passion for understanding the human impacts of conflict, Eliud later continued his studies at the University of Nairobi. There, he obtained a Master’s degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies.
Eliud Lagat Career
Eliud Lagat’s career in Kenya’s police service spans over twenty‑five years of continuous rise through technical and leadership roles. In the late 1990s, shortly after graduating from Kenya Police College in Kiganjo, he began his service as a mechanic in the General Service Unit’s workshop. His colleagues quickly noticed his aptitude for complex equipment maintenance and his dedication to safety. By the early 2000s, he was attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, focusing on bomb disposal and forensics.
As a forensic investigator, he handled explosive devices and collected critical evidence from crime scenes, developing expertise that few in the country possessed. His leadership qualities earned him a promotion to Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Section, where he supervised deactivation teams and trained officers in handling dangerous materials. At the same time, he served as Deputy Head of the Crime Scene Support Unit, where he managed crime scene protocols and ensured that investigation guidelines were strictly followed.
In 2020, he was appointed Deputy Director of the DCI Reforms Section, charged with revising procedures to enhance transparency and efficiency. His reform efforts focused on human rights training, community engagement, and anti‑corruption measures. By April 2023, he led the Investigations Bureau as its Director, coordinating major criminal probes across the nation.
Eliud Lagat Career
In July 2024, President William Ruto appointed Eliud Lagat as one of the two Deputy Inspector Generals of the National Police Service. He formally assumed office on July 25, 2024, taking responsibility for the Kenya Police Service, while his counterpart, Gilbert Masengeli, took charge of the Administration Police Service. In this elevated role, DIG Lagat has continued to champion proactive, boots‑on‑the‑ground leadership.
He regularly conducts unannounced inspections at police stations in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Vihiga, and other regions to enforce professionalism, clean station environments, and crack down on petty corruption. He has also led multi‑agency security assessments in the North Rift, targeting banditry and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Under his guidance, regional commanders have adopted data‑driven strategies to allocate manpower and resources more effectively.
Additionally, he chairs strategic planning sessions that bring together senior officers to address gaps in public safety and streamline resource management. DIG Lagat’s style—marked by visible presence, clear accountability, and ethical policing—has strengthened public trust and improved the morale of many in uniform.
Eliud Lagat Personal Life
Eliud Lagat is married to Victoria Arafat Ossom. Known among friends and colleagues for his humility, he often credits his upbringing in Nandi County for his grounded worldview. Outside of work, he enjoys mechanical projects that remind him of his automotive engineering roots, such as restoring vintage motorbikes or assisting with community transport initiatives. His Master’s studies in peace studies have shaped his approach to conflict resolution both on and off the job.
Colleagues describe him as approachable and calm under pressure, a leader who listens first and acts decisively. His dedication to professional growth also extends to mentoring younger officers, offering guidance on both technical skills and ethical conduct. Through seminars and training sessions, he encourages continuous learning, whether in forensic techniques, community policing, or leadership best practices. Eliud Lagat belongs to the Kalenjin tribe of Kenya.
Eliud Lagat Controversies
In June 2025, DIG Eliud Lagat found himself at the center of a national controversy following the arrest and untimely death of online activist Albert Ojwang. Ojwang had publicly accused Lagat of misconduct, leading to his detention by the police. While in custody, Ojwang died under circumstances that supporters and human rights groups described as “disputed” and “unexplained.” The incident sparked widespread public outcry, with petitions demanding a thorough investigation and calls for Lagat’s suspension or prosecution.
The Senate ordered hearings, and multiple bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, launched inquiries into the events surrounding Ojwang’s arrest and death. Activists pushed for private prosecution to hold those responsible to account. Throughout the proceedings, DIG Lagat maintained his innocence, emphasizing his commitment to ethical policing and cooperation with oversight bodies.
He agreed to appear before investigative panels and to welcome external observers into custody facilities, seeking to demonstrate transparency. The controversy remains unresolved, with formal recommendations from oversight authorities still pending. The case has served as a focal point for broader debates on police accountability, the use of force in detention, and reforms needed within Kenya’s security services.
Conclusion
Eliud Lagat’s academic pursuits in automotive engineering and peace studies equipped him with both technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of conflict resolution. Over more than two decades, he rose through roles in bomb disposal, crime scene support, reforms leadership, and investigations. As Deputy Inspector General, he continues to promote professionalism, transparency, and ethical policing across the nation. While recent controversies have tested his reputation, the outcome of ongoing investigations will determine his enduring legacy.
FAQs
What academic qualifications does Eliud Lagat hold?
Eliud Lagat earned a Bachelor of Technology in Automotive Engineering from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, and a Master’s in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi. These qualifications reflect his dual focus on technical skills and social conflict resolution.
When did Eliud Lagat become Deputy Inspector General?
President William Ruto appointed Eliud Lagat as Deputy Inspector General of the National Police Service on July 25, 2024. He oversees the Kenya Police Service, while his counterpart leads the Administration Police Service.
What roles did DIG Lagat serve in before his current appointment?
Before becoming Deputy Inspector General, Eliud Lagat served in bomb disposal, forensic investigations, and leadership positions within the DCI, including Head of the Bomb & Hazardous Materials Section, Deputy Head of Crime Scene Support, Director of Reforms, and Director of the Investigations Bureau.
What honors has Eliud Lagat received for his service?
DIG Lagat has been awarded several national honors, including Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), Head of State Commendation (HSC), Silver Star (SS), and is a graduate of the National Defence College (ndc‑K).
What is the current status of the controversy involving Albert Ojwang?
The case of activist Albert Ojwang’s death in custody is under investigation by multiple bodies, including the Senate, IPOA, DCI, and DPP. Recommendations from these inquiries are still pending, and DIG Lagat has cooperated with oversight agencies while maintaining his innocence.
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