The Officer Commanding Central Police Station, Nairobi, Samson Talam, is set to return to court on Wednesday as the magistrate rules on whether he will remain in custody for an additional 21 days amid investigations into the alleged murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Talam, arrested on June 13, is accused of orchestrating and covering up the fatal assault of Ojwang inside the station’s holding cells.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is seeking his continued detention, citing the complexity of the case and the need for further forensic analysis on seized electronic devices.
In a sworn affidavit, IPOA investigator Abdirahman Jibril claims Talam closely coordinated with Police Constable James Mukhwana, who had access to the cells and is also in custody. IPOA argues that releasing Talam could compromise witnesses and investigations due to his influence within the police service.
Talam’s lawyer, however, opposed the application, calling the allegations speculative and unsupported. He urged the court to consider bail of KSh7,000 or a reasonable bond, noting Talam’s cooperation, voluntary surrender, and 29 years of service.
Meanwhile, the court also heard that public concern and safety fears have escalated due to the nature of the case.
The prosecution maintained that the additional 21 days are crucial for concluding investigations and deciding whether to press charges. Lawyer Julius Juma, representing Ojwang’s family, backed the extension.
Ojwang, arrested on June 7 following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat over controversial online posts, died while in custody. Lagat has since stepped aside to allow for impartial investigations.
The case has triggered a wider crackdown, with four more officers from Central and Mawego police stations questioned. Investigators are still deciding whether they will be treated as suspects or witnesses.
Separately, two civilians, including a 23-year-old technician accused of disabling CCTV systems at the station, are also in custody.
The technician allegedly received KSh3,000 to tamper with the footage, hindering the murder probe.
IPOA’s Assistant Director of Forensics, Paul Njihia, told the court that the suspects’ mobile phones have been seized and are undergoing forensic analysis. The court granted 14 days of detention instead of the 21 IPOA sought, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigations.
The second civilian suspect, said to have been inside the cells during the incident, was arrested near the station on June 14.
