Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station Samson Talaam has been arrested in Eldoret over the murder of Albert Ojwang.
According to reports, police say he was on the run and has since been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for further questioning.
His lawyer Felix Kiprono confirmed the arrest and it followed IPOA confirming that the OCS was a person of interest in the case. Further, the Authority revealed that Ojwang died inside a Central Police Station jail cell.
His arrest comes after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin had revealed that the OCS should be treated as a prime suspect in Ojwang's murder.
Speaking before the Senate, Amin identified Talaam as the individual most responsible for Ojwang's death, which occurred on Sunday, June 8.
While giving his brief to Senate, Amin clarified that Talaam had declined to book Ojwang upon his arrival in Central Police contrary to initial reports.
“It has further been confirmed that before the booking, the report office personnel called the OCS, who declined to book the suspect. Talaam is the Officer Commanding Central Police Station," he stated.
"Talaam is the OCS of Central Police Station, and by the totality of things, he should be treated as the prime suspect in this matter," Amin noted.
However, in a quick rejoinder, Talaam denied being the prime suspect in the murder. While giving his account to IPOA, Talaam recounted that on the day of the popular influencer's death, he was brought into the station in critical condition.
According to his account, given on Wednesday, June 11, Talaam and fellow officers attempted to save his life. They even rushed the late Ojwang to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
He further added that, contrary to reports, he did not object to Ojwang's booking at the station.
The OCS disclosed that he was not at the station when Ojwang was brought in but arrived after he was notified of Ojwang's critical state.
After news of Ojwang's murder broke and details of Central Police Station's role in the incident emerged, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja interdicted Talaam and five others.
Aside from Talaam, other interdicted officers included the deputy OCS, the deputy non-commissioned officer, crime aid officer, cell sentry officer, and report office personnel.
