A Nairobi court has ordered the continued detention of Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam for 15 more days to allow investigators to complete their probe into the death of teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi ruled on Wednesday that the prosecution had presented sufficient grounds to deny Talaam bail, citing credible concerns over possible interference with witnesses and tampering with evidence, including CCTV footage from the station.
The court acknowledged the risk posed by Talaam’s senior rank and long-standing position within the police service, warning that his influence could be used to obstruct justice.
The magistrate also addressed the unwritten but pervasive culture among law enforcement officers of shielding one another — known as the “blue code of silence” — saying it could further complicate the ongoing investigation.
While the prosecution argued that Talaam’s detention was also for his own safety amid growing public anger and protests, Magistrate Ekhubi dismissed the claim. He stated that demonstrations had persisted regardless of the suspect’s custody status and could not alone justify holding him for protection.
In a stark warning, the magistrate drew a historical parallel to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, referencing the chilling phrase “Never again” as he reflected on the growing tension and unrest surrounding the case.
“The events we are witnessing in the streets are a cause for concern,” Ekhubi remarked. “I recall the words said in Rwanda during the genocide: ‘Never again.’ We must be vigilant and ensure justice prevails.”
Talaam will remain in custody for the next two weeks as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues to gather evidence in the case.
By Were Kelly
