The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Nairobi Central Police Station, Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, has been ordered to remain in custody for 15 more days to allow completion of investigations into the suspicious death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Trial Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi made the ruling on Wednesday, citing compelling arguments presented by the prosecution and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which had requested 21 days due to the complexity of the investigation.
The court was told that Talaam, a senior officer with 29 years in service and a vast national network, could potentially interfere with witnesses or manipulate the investigation process if released on bail.
Magistrate Ekhubi agreed, noting that Talaam’s influence as commander of the country’s busiest police station could be used to invoke the so-called “blue code of silence” a term often used to describe the informal practice among officers of shielding one another from accountability.“
The accused holds a high-ranking position with significant command and connections that could jeopardize ongoing investigations,” ruled Ekhubi.
Investigators also told the court that Talaam’s personal mobile phone now in the custody of investigators had been used to send messages to family members and individuals, soliciting money under claims that the OCS was in a financial crisis. The source and intent of the messages are part of the ongoing probe.
IPOA investigator Abdirahman Jibril, who is leading the inquiry, has been summoned to appear before the court on Friday, June 20, to provide further clarification.
Ojwang’s death sparked public outrage, with civil society groups and human rights defenders demanding justice and accountability from the police.
The blogger was reportedly arrested and later died under unclear circumstances while in police custody, prompting a high-level investigation into possible foul play and police misconduct.
This case adds to growing concerns over abuse of power and impunity within Kenya’s security forces, as the country continues to grapple with repeated cases of deaths in custody.
