Former Central Police Station OCS Samson Kiprotich Taalam and five others accused of murdering Albert Ojwang will remain in remand custody until September 26, 2025. Justice Diana Kavedza is expected to deliver a ruling on their bail and bond application on that date.
Taalam, together with Police Constable James Mukhwana, officers Peter Kimani, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue, appeared before Justice Kavedza at the Kibera High Court. The prosecution, citing a report from the probation department, strongly opposed their release on bail, arguing that the suspects pose a threat to key witnesses.
Prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi told the court that while the probation officer had initially suggested bail could be granted, the risk of witness interference should override that recommendation. Gichuhi added that releasing the accused could jeopardize public safety and even endanger the suspects themselves.
However, defense lawyer Danstan Omari challenged the prosecution’s assertions, arguing that no concrete evidence had been presented to support claims that the accused would interfere with witnesses.
Omari noted that Taalam had already been interdicted by the National Police Service and ordered to vacate his official residence and return to his rural home in Eldoret. As a result, he no longer holds any police powers and cannot influence the case, Omari argued.
He urged the court to grant bail, insisting that the accused will present a strong defense during trial, which he believes will clear them of the murder allegations.
The six officers are facing charges related to the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher from Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County, who died while in police custody. Ojwang had been arrested following a complaint allegedly filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, reportedly in connection with a social media post in which Ojwang named Lagat among the wealthiest police officers in Kenya.
Ojwang was taken to the Nairobi Central Police Station after his arrest. He later died under suspicious circumstances while in custody, raising serious concerns about police conduct and accountability.
