Central police station OCS Samson Talam talk to his lawyer Danstan Omari during his appearance at Milimani Law Courts on June 16, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A
Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam will remain in custody at Lang’ata Police Station for 15 more days as investigations into the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’ continue.
This decision was made after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) applied for 21 more days to hold Talam, citing the need for further investigations. The court, however, granted 15 days.
Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi ruled that the state had provided credible reasons to justify Talam’s extended detention, including concerns that releasing him could interfere with investigations and witnesses.
He noted that key suspects in the case are police officers who wield influence and power.
While the magistrate acknowledged that protests had broken out over Ojwang’s death, he said this alone was not enough to deny the accused bail on the grounds of flight risk.
“Demonstrations and protests have been ongoing despite the fact that the respondent has been in custody,” said Ekhubi.
Talam’s lawyer argued that the 15 days should be counted from June 13—the date he was first taken into custody.
The prosecution, however, asked the court to begin counting from June 16, when the application was filed. The court agreed with the prosecution.
In court, the defense also raised concerns about Talam’s phone, claiming it was being used to solicit money from people while in police custody.
“We are seeking that the custodians of the phone be summoned to court to explain how the phone in their custody can be used to defraud Kenyans,” the defense stated.
The prosecution said they had no reason to believe the phone wasn’t safely kept. The court has scheduled a mention on Friday, June 20, to hear from the investigating officer on the matter.
Ipoa’s application also sought permission to subject the electronic devices recovered from Talam to forensic analysis. The defense did not object and submitted the phone to the investigators.
Talam was arrested on June 13 and brought to court on June 16. He will remain in custody at Lang’ata Police Station until the 15-day period lapses.
Ojwang’ was arrested on June 7 following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who accused him of false and malicious publications.
Ojwang’ later died in circumstances that have triggered widespread protests and public outcry.
