The bail hearing for Brian Kiprotich Kiprono, the man at the center of a high-profile computer fraud and identity theft case, has been adjourned to August 19 to allow more time for a pre-bail report and legal responses.
Kiprono, who is accused of using the phone of former Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam to extort money from Talaam’s family and legal team, appeared before Principal Magistrate Carolyne Mugo at the Milimani Law Courts today.
In his latest appearance, Kiprono made four applications: seeking medical attention for his asthma condition, requesting to be released on bail and bond, asking for the return of his confiscated phone, and requesting to be served with relevant court statements.
However, the probation officer requested an extension of three more days to compile a pre-bail report from Sotik.
Counsel Danstan Omari, representing Talaam, also asked for more time to file a replying affidavit. Magistrate Mugo granted the requests and scheduled the next hearing for August 19, 2025.
Background of the Case
Brian Kiprotich Kiprono , is facing eight serious charges of computer fraud and unlawful possession of identity documents. He denied all the charges.
According to the charge sheet, Kiprono, between June 16 and June 19, 2025, fraudulently replaced a SIM card belonging to OCS Talaam then under the custody of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for investigation and used it to solicit money from Talaam’s family and legal team.
The phone had been seized from Talaam on June 15 following his arrest over the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody at the Central Police Station.
Kiprono was later arrested on July 20 at his residence in Nairobi’s Pipeline area. During the arrest, police allegedly found him in possession of seven national identity cards belonging to different individuals.
He claimed one of the IDs that of Geoffrey Kipkoech belonged to his brother, with whom he lived.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has strongly opposed bail, citing fears that the accused may interfere with ongoing investigations.
Talaam’s lawyer, Stanley Kinyanjui, supported the State’s opposition, pointing out the suspicious circumstances under which the seized phone and SIM card ended up in Kiprono’s possession.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) still cannot explain how the phone and SIM card, which were seized and held by IPOA, came into the hands of the accused,” Kinyanjui told the court.
Earlier, Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina had ordered Kiprono to be remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison until September 12, 2025, pending further directions.
As the case continues to unfold, questions remain about possible lapses in the chain of custody involving sensitive evidence and whether more individuals may be implicated. The court will revisit the matter on August 19.
