Nairobi Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Talam, has been arrested, Friday after a day-long manhunt ended in Eldoret, the DCI has confirmed.
According to the DCI, Talam had switched off his mobile phone on Thursday as officers closed in on him.
He was eventually located, arrested, and handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for further processing.
His arrest brings to three the number of individuals in custody in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
Another female officer linked to the case was also questioned for several hours on Friday and is expected to face further interrogation.
Talam is considered a prime suspect after multiple witnesses and suspects reportedly implicated him during Ipoa’s ongoing investigation.
Ojwang had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay over allegations of publishing false information. He was transferred to Nairobi, where he was booked at Central Police Station.
He later died after reportedly being severely beaten while in custody.
Ojwang’s death has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny on police conduct. So far, two other police officers and a technician accused of tampering with surveillance footage have been detained.
Investigations have revealed attempts to cover up the incident.
Ipoa said some of the 17 officers questioned in connection with the case have since returned to the oversight body to revise their initial statements and provide new information about the fatal assault.
According to sources, officers now confirm that the murder took place inside the Central Police Station cells, and detectives are searching for the riot baton believed to have been used.
In total, 23 individuals—including 17 police officers and six civilians—have been questioned as suspects or witnesses. Among them is a technician who installed the CCTV system at the station.
He admitted to being paid Sh3,000 to delete and format footage from the night Ojwang died.
Meanwhile, Ipoa was granted permission to detain Constable James Mukhwana for seven days as investigations continue.
In documents filed at the Milimani Law Courts, Ipoa stated that initial findings implicate Mukhwana and other yet-to-be-arrested officers in the fatal assault. They also accused the officers of participating in a coordinated cover-up.
Ipoa argued against releasing Mukhwana, citing the risk of witness interference and potential tampering with evidence, including critical custody records.
The oversight agency also noted that forensic analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones and results from the government chemist are still pending, and are expected to play a key role in the probe.
Mukhwana is currently being held at Capitol Hill Police Station as IPOA continues its investigations into the case.
