By Were Kelly
The High Court has granted the prosecution’s request to urgently extract DNA samples from police constable James Mukhwana, one of the officers charged in the murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody in June 2025.
On Tuesday, State Counsel Gichuhi informed the court that the government was ready to conduct the sampling immediately and requested that Capitol Hill Police Station facilitate Mukhwana’s transfer to the Government Chemist.
While Mukhwana’s lawyer, Mwale, did not oppose the request, he insisted on safeguards, including the presence of defence counsel and an independent expert during the procedure to prevent “ambush tactics.”
Justice Diana Kavedza approved the DNA extraction under police escort and allowed the defence to collect a separate sample for independent testing.
Mukhwana, who was the cell sentry during the night of Ojwang’s death, is charged alongside former OCS Samson Talaam. Both have denied the charges. The case will proceed after the DNA results are submitted.
