Nairobi, Kenya — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has filed a strong objection to an application by Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Taalam, who is seeking to stop his prosecution over the alleged murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
In its replying affidavit, IPOA termed Taalam’s petition as a blatant abuse of court process, arguing that it is a veiled attempt to evade accountability for the fatal incident that occurred at the Central Police Station.
Taalam is among several officers charged in the Kibera High Court under case number HCCR E010 of 2025, in connection with Ojwang’s death, which reportedly occurred under police custody. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and intensified demands for police reforms and accountability.
IPOA, which is listed as the 6th Respondent in Taalam’s petition, insists that the charges against him are grounded in credible, independently gathered evidence. The authority said investigations were launched upon receiving a formal complaint, with sufficient evidence unearthed to warrant prosecution.
“The petition is a disguised attempt to subvert justice and stop an active criminal process where the petitioner has already been charged with murder,” IPOA stated in part.
The authority warned that granting Taalam’s request would set a dangerous precedent, effectively shielding public officers implicated in grave crimes such as torture and extrajudicial killings from facing justice.
IPOA has urged the court to dismiss the petition in its entirety and allow the ongoing criminal trial at the Kibera Law Courts to proceed without interference.
By Were Kelly
