Kenya’s High Court on 14 July declined to issue an interim order barring Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat from returning to work while a petition challenging his suitability over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang is heard. The decision effectively allows Lagat, who had voluntarily stepped aside on 16 June, to resume his duties pending the court’s final determination. The ruling came hours after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority dismissed media reports that it had exonerated Lagat. IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said investigations into Ojwang’s 8 June death while in police custody remain active and that the authority will recommend action should evidence implicate the senior officer. Ojwang’s killing sparked nationwide protests and led to the arrest and charging of six police officers, including the Central Police Station commander. The petition challenging Lagat’s return is still before the court, which has yet to set a date for substantive hearings.