The murder case against Nairobi Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Kiprotich Taalam, has officially been transferred to the Kibera Law Courts for pre-trial proceedings.
Taalam stands accused of the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, whose lifeless body was discovered in police custody under suspicious circumstances on June 8, 2025. The case has since sparked public outcry and intensified national discourse on police brutality and accountability.
During a mention at the Milimani Law Courts earlier today, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) requested an additional 14 days to retain custody of a mobile phone believed to contain critical evidence tied to the case. According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the investigation report is not yet complete.
“The report is still pending,” the prosecution told the court, while also signaling their intention to file a formal application to have the matter transferred to the appropriate trial court.
The defence, however, opposed the move, arguing that the charges currently before the lower court are distinct from the murder case already pending before the High Court.
“We shall be vehemently opposing the said application,” said the defence team. “This matter is totally different from what is before the High Court.”
Senior Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi acknowledged submissions from both sides and scheduled the next mention for July 22, 2025, when the court will issue further directions.
Taalam, now the prime suspect, has already been charged alongside several other officers in connection with Ojwang’s death. Investigations by the DCI and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) revealed that the deceased sustained severe head trauma and neck compression—strong indicators of foul play while in custody.
Adding to the complexity of the case, the prosecution informed the court that Taalam allegedly attempted to obstruct the investigation by deleting CCTV footage from the police station and interfering with potential witnesses.
The case continues to raise pressing concerns about custodial deaths in Kenya and the broader issue of police misconduct. The upcoming pre-trial proceedings are expected to be closely monitored by civil society groups and human rights observers.
By Were Kelly
