A mobile phone belonging to Nairobi Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talam, and currently held by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as an exhibit, has allegedly been used to solicit bribes, a Nairobi court heard on Tuesday.
The defence team informed the court that the device, which was surrendered to IPOA on June 16, has been misused. “An individual identified as Cliff Ombeta was asked to pay KSh 80,000 through this same phone,” the court was told. “The device, along with its password, is in IPOA’s possession. We are requesting that the IPOA Commissioner be summoned to explain how a phone in official custody is being used to extort money.”
Responding to the claim, State Prosecutor Victor Awiti acknowledged the seriousness of the accusation. “We cannot outrightly deny these allegations,” he said, while pointing out that the device, along with other exhibits, was supposed to be under secure storage. “The investigating officer has confirmed that the phone is currently switched off and stored safely. We urge the defence to file a formal complaint to enable proper investigation.”
Following the submissions, the court issued summons for the investigating officer to appear on Friday and provide clarification regarding the alleged misuse of the device.
