By Were Kelly
Nairobi — Brian Kiprotich Kiprono, the man accused of using a confiscated phone linked to interdicted former OCS Samson Talaam, will know on Friday whether he will face criminal charges.
Milimani trial magistrate Caroline Mugo on Monday extended Kiprono’s detention until August 1, granting the prosecution more time to finalise the charge sheet. The DPP assured the court that the brief delay would not prejudice the suspect.
Kiprono is under investigation for allegedly executing a SIM swap fraud involving a TECNO CLA5 phone seized from Talaam. The device, now in IPOA custody, had been submitted as an exhibit in the probe into the custodial death of blogger Albert Ojwang’.
The defence claimed the phone is being used illegally, with senior lawyer Cliff Ombeta allegedly receiving a Sh80,000 solicitation text from Talaam’s number. “This phone is being used for fraudulent fundraising while in IPOA custody,” lawyer Danstan Omari told the court.
Omari urged the court to summon IPOA commissioners, accusing them of negligence in safeguarding the device, which he said has also sent alarming messages to Talaam’s relatives.
The court will rule on Kiprono’s plea-taking status on August 1.
