In Summary:
- Magistrates’ Court has ordered the detention of Nairobi Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talaam, for 15 days to allow police to complete investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’
- The court found that the prosecution had provided sufficient grounds to deny Talaam bail, including credible evidence suggesting interference with the investigation.
The Milimani Magistrates’ Court has ordered the detention of Nairobi Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talaam, for 15 days to allow police to complete investigations into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody.
In his ruling, Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi stated that the prosecution had provided sufficient grounds to deny Talaam bail, including credible evidence suggesting interference with the investigation. The court was told that the crime scene and CCTV footage may have been tampered with.
Ekhubi also referenced the so-called “blue code of silence” — a culture of mutual protection among law enforcement officers — noting that such practices are prevalent even in countries like the United States. He warned that Talaam’s senior rank and years of service could enable him to obstruct justice or intimidate witnesses.
The prosecution further argued that Talaam should remain in custody for his own safety. However, the magistrate dismissed this claim, pointing out that public protests and outrage had continued regardless of his detention. He ruled that public demonstrations alone did not justify extended custody on safety grounds.
Opening his ruling with a solemn reflection, Ekhubi invoked the Rwandan genocide as a cautionary parallel:
“I point out — and shudder for my country — what has happened during the demonstrations. I remind my country of the words spoken in Rwanda during the genocide: ‘Never again.’”
He ruled that the prosecution had made a strong case for potential witness interference and ordered Talaam to remain in custody for an additional 15 days as investigations continue.
