OCS Talaam faces court as pressure mounts over blogger’s death
OCS Samson Talam, the officer in charge at Nairobi Central Police Station. File photo
OCS Samson Talam, the officer in charge at Nairobi Central Police Station, arrived at Milimani Law Courts on Monday amid intense scrutiny.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) requested an additional 21 days' detention, arguing the probe into the fatal assault of blogger Albert Ojwang is still unfolding and evidence is being secured.
Talam isn’t the only one facing questions in court. Police Constable James Mukhwana — the duty officer the night Ojwang died — and a CCTV technician accused of tampering with critical footage have also been formally charged.
IPOA is investigating up to ten officers and has confirmed five were involved in Ojwang’s arrest, even though most remain unnamed.
In court, prosecutor Victor Owiti described Talaam as a key orchestrator in the alleged assault and cover-up, citing phone records and witness statements.
IPOA also emphasised that more time is needed to complete CCTV and mobile phone forensic work.
Talaam’s lawyer, Danstan Omari, insisted his client is “a nearly 30‑year‑serving officer” who has been cooperative, doesn’t pose a flight risk, and deserves bail--proposing Sh7,000 cash or a suitable bond.
He also promised Talaam would steer clear of Central Police Station if released.
Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi adjourned the case and will deliver his ruling on Wednesday, June 19, 2025.
Adding to the drama, former Chief Justice David Maraga weighed in during a press briefing on Monday, demanding the arrest and prosecution of top brass — IG Douglas Kanja, DCI Mohammed Amin, and DIG Eliud Lagat — over what he called a “coordinated cover-up”, accusing them of lying under oath.
Read: DIG Lagat finally steps aside as activists insist on ‘shutdown’
Maraga warned that unless formal charges are filed by 25 June, he will support Kenyans pushing for private prosecution.
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