Nairobi’s Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Kiprotich Talam remains a central figure in the high-profile investigation into the death of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8, 2025.
The case, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests, continues to unfold as Talam and five others face murder charges, with the latest court developments highlighting tensions over police accountability in Kenya.
As of July 1, 2025, the Kibera High Court is set to rule on July 30, 2025, on whether Talam and his co-accused will be granted bail, pending a pre-bail and victim impact report.
Ojwang, a 31-year-old social media influencer and a teacher, was arrested on June 7, 2025, in Homa Bay following a defamation complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Transferred to Central Police Station, he was found dead hours later, with a post-mortem revealing head injuries, neck compression, and bruising indicative of assault, contradicting initial police claims of self-inflicted wounds.
Talam, arrested in Eldoret on June 13 after allegedly evading capture, faces charges alongside Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani and civilians John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
All six pleaded not guilty on June 24 before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has implicated Talam as a prime suspect, alleging he directed the fatal assault on Ojwang.
Constable Mukhwana, the cell sentry, claimed Talam ordered him to “discipline” Ojwang under instructions from Lagat, who has since stepped aside pending investigation.
CCTV footage discrepancies, with the station’s DVR tampered with on June 8, have fuelled suspicions of a cover-up, intensifying public demands for justice.
Talam’s defence, led by lawyer Danstan Omari, argues he was not on duty during Ojwang’s detention and that his prosecution violates due process, citing the lack of a public inquest as required by law.
The case has reignited debates over police brutality in Kenya, with protests in Nairobi and calls for transparency from civil society and international observers.
Social media platforms went abuzz reflecting public outrage and scrutiny of Talam’s role. As the trial progresses, the outcome will test Kenya’s commitment to police reform and accountability.
