Nairobi, Kenya – Six individuals, including senior police officers and civilians, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang and are now seeking to be released on bail.
The accused, among them interdicted Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Kiprotich Taalam, Police Constable James Mukhwana, Officer Peter Kimani, and three civilians — John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — appeared before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court on Tuesday.
They face charges related to the death of Ojwang, who was allegedly killed while in police custody.
Ojwang, a teacher from Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County, was arrested after a complaint allegedly filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
The complaint reportedly stemmed from a social media post in which Ojwang claimed that the senior police official was among Kenya’s wealthiest officers.
Following his arrest, Ojwang was transported to the Nairobi Central Police Station, where he later died under suspicious circumstances while in the custody of officers responsible for his safety.
The six suspects were apprehended as investigations into Ojwang’s death unfolded. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) later directed that they be formally charged with murder.
While the prosecution has opposed granting bail, the defence — led by prominent lawyers Danstan Omari, Cliff Ombeta, and Shadrack Wambui — is pushing for the accused to be released on bond, arguing that they should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The court is expected to make a determination on the bail application in due course.
By Were Kelly
