The DPP on Monday told a Nairobi court that Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talam, interfered with crucial evidence related to an ongoing investigation into the death of a suspect in police custody.
They alleged that he was the custodian of station records and CCTV systems and thus hired a technician to tamper with surveillance footage at the Central Police Station in a an attempt to obstruct justice.
The DPP further said that Talam’s mobile phone has already been detained and is currently undergoing forensic examination as part of the broader investigation.
“There are witnesses, particularly police officers who were on duty on the material day, who are yet to be interviewed and have their statements recorded. Given the respondent’s position as OCS, there is a high likelihood that he will interfere with these potential witnesses,” the prosecution stated.
The state wants the embattled OCS to be detained for 21 to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to complete investigations without any interference.
“This limited period of detention is the least intrusive measure we can take to safeguard the interests of justice and ensure the victims’ rights are upheld,” the court heard.
Further, the prosecution said it had acted in good faith by presenting the respondent to court promptly, and that Talam had been informed of both the reasons for his arrest and the grounds for seeking continued detention.
“We have satisfied the legal tests required for pre-trial detention. There is already demonstrable interference with evidence and witnesses. We only seek a short window to conclude investigations,” the court heard
