Eliud Kipkoech Langat is a senior Kenyan police officer currently serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service, a position he has held since July 2024. He succeeded Douglas Kanja Kirocho, who became the Inspector General of Police. Before his appointment as DIG, Langat was the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), an elite unit within the National Police Service with approximately 12,000 officers.
Langat’s law enforcement career spans over 25 years, during which he has held various specialized roles. He served as the Deputy Head of the Crime News Support Unit, Head of the Investigation Bureau, Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit, and Director of Reforms at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He is also an expert in explosives and post-blast investigations.
Langat has recently come under scrutiny following the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer who was arrested in June 2025 for allegedly defaming Langat online. Ojwang died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, with police claiming he died by suicide after allegedly injuring himself while alone in a cell. This incident has sparked public outrage, with calls for Langat’s suspension and a thorough investigation into the matter. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been notified to commence investigations, and several police officers have been interdicted pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Early Life and Background
Eliud Kipkoech Langat hails from Nandi County in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. He is a member of the Kalenjin ethnic group, known for their rich cultural heritage and prominence in various sectors, including athletics and public service. Details about his early life remain relatively private, with limited public information available about his upbringing and family background.
Education and Academic Qualifications
Langat’s educational journey reflects a commitment to both technical and strategic disciplines. He holds a Master’s degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi, equipping him with knowledge pertinent to managing security challenges and fostering peace. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, providing him with a technical foundation. Further enhancing his strategic acumen, Langat is a graduate of the National Defence College of Kenya, an institution known for producing senior military and security leaders.
Professional Career and Police Service
Entry into the Police Force
Langat’s career in law enforcement began over 25 years ago, shortly after his training at the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo. His early assignments involved various operational roles, where he demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership potential.
Specialized Roles and Leadership Positions
Throughout his career, Langat has held several specialized and leadership positions within the police service:
- Deputy Head of the Crime News Support Unit: In this role, he was responsible for managing media relations and public communications during high-profile criminal investigations.
- Head of the Investigation Bureau: Langat oversaw complex criminal investigations, ensuring thorough and efficient case management.
- Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit: He led efforts in handling explosive devices and hazardous materials, a critical function in national security.
- Director of Reforms at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI): Langat spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing and reforming investigative practices within the DCI.
- Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU): From April 2023, he led the GSU, an elite paramilitary unit tasked with handling specialized security operations, including counter-terrorism and riot control.
Appointment as Deputy Inspector General
In July 2024, Langat was appointed as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, succeeding Douglas Kanja Kirocho, who became the Inspector General of Police. In this capacity, Langat is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the police service, implementing national security policies, and ensuring effective law enforcement across the country.
Personal Life and Family
Information regarding Langat’s personal life, including details about his spouse and children, is not publicly disclosed. As a senior public servant, he maintains a level of privacy concerning his family and personal affairs.
Net Worth
As of now, there is no publicly available information regarding Eliud Langat’s net worth. Given his long tenure in the police service and current high-ranking position, it can be inferred that he has a stable financial standing, though specific figures are not disclosed.
Recent Controversy: The Albert Ojwang Incident
In June 2025, Langat became the center of a national controversy following the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer who was arrested under Langat’s complaint for allegedly defaming him online. Ojwang was detained at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was found unconscious and later pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital.
The incident led to widespread public outcry, with demands for accountability and transparency. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) initiated an investigation into the matter, and several officers involved were interdicted pending the outcome of the inquiry. The event has significantly impacted Langat’s public image and has sparked a broader conversation about police accountability in Kenya.
Conclusion
Eliud Kipkoech Langat’s career in the Kenya Police Service has been marked by significant achievements and leadership in various specialized units. However, the recent controversy involving the death of Albert Ojwang has cast a shadow over his tenure as Deputy Inspector General. As investigations continue, the outcome will likely influence Langat’s future in the police service and could have broader implications for policing practices and accountability in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eliud Langat?
Eliud Kipkoech Langat is the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, appointed in July 2024. He has served in various leadership roles within the police force for over 25 years.
What is Eliud Langat’s educational background?
Langat holds a Master’s degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. He is also a graduate of the National Defence College of Kenya.
What roles has Eliud Langat held in the police service?
Throughout his career, Langat has served as the Deputy Head of the Crime News Support Unit, Head of the Investigation Bureau, Head of the Bomb and Hazardous Materials Unit, Director of Reforms at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and Commandant of the General Service Unit.
What happened to Albert Ojwang?
Albert Ojwang, a teacher and social media influencer, was arrested in June 2025 under a defamation complaint filed by Eliud Langat. He died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, leading to public outcry and an investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
Has Eliud Langat been suspended or removed from his position?
As of now, Eliud Langat has not been suspended or removed from his position. However, investigations into the incident involving Albert Ojwang are ongoing, and several officers have been interdicted pending the outcome.
What is the General Service Unit (GSU)?
The General Service Unit is an elite paramilitary unit within the Kenya Police Service, tasked with handling specialized security operations, including counter-terrorism, riot control, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
What are the responsibilities of the Deputy Inspector General?
The Deputy Inspector General oversees the day-to-day operations of the Kenya Police Service, implements national security policies, coordinates law enforcement efforts, and ensures effective policing across the country.
Where is Eliud Langat from?
Eliud Langat hails from Nandi County in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, and he is a member of the Kalenjin ethnic group.
What is the National Defence College of Kenya?
The National Defence College of Kenya is a premier institution that provides advanced military and security training to senior officers in the Kenya Defence Forces and other security agencies.
