The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has accused Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam of tampering with crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, the prosecution revealed that Talaam, who oversees station records and surveillance systems, allegedly hired a technician to interfere with CCTV footage captured at the station. This act is believed to be a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
The DPP further disclosed that Talaam’s mobile phone had been seized and was undergoing forensic examination as part of a broader probe being conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
“There are witnesses, particularly police officers who were on duty on the day in question, who are yet to record statements,” the prosecution noted. “Given the respondent’s senior position, there is a high likelihood that he could interfere with potential witnesses.”
Citing the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation, the prosecution asked the court to detain Talaam for 21 days. They argued that the pre-trial detention was a minimally intrusive measure necessary to safeguard justice and protect the rights of the victim’s family.
“We have met the legal threshold for pre-trial detention. There is clear evidence of interference with both material evidence and potential witnesses,” the State Counsel said.
The defence is expected to oppose the application. The court will deliver its ruling on the matter in due course.
Written By Rodney Mbua
