A day after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved charges against six men for the murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang, the case has taken another twist after the accused denied the charges.
Appearing at the Kibera High Court on Tuesday, the DPP submitted that Samson Talaam (OCS of the Nairobi Central Police Station), James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, and the other three suspects jointly murdered Ojwang on the night of June 7 and 8, 2025, at Central Police Station in Nairobi. However, they both denied the accusations.
The DPP, in response to the developments, opposed the release of the accused on bail or bond, citing several compelling reasons.
According to the prosecution, John Gitau, a police officer who is being investigated for a different murder case, was detained at Central Police Station at the time of the incident. The court also heard that Talaam was the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), James Mukwana was the daytime cell sentry, and Peter Kimani was in charge of the night shift cell sentry.
The prosecution maintained that releasing the accused on bail would significantly jeopardise the integrity of the case, pointing out the likelihood of witness tampering and obstruction of ongoing investigations.
They argued that the accused, being serving police officers, possess in-depth operational knowledge, access to firearms, and influence over internal systems within the police service. This, the court heard, places them in a strategic position to manipulate evidence, intimidate witnesses, or frustrate the investigative process.
Further, the prosecution referenced the widespread public protests and outrage triggered by Ojwang’s death, cautioning that releasing the suspects could escalate tensions and pose a threat to public peace.
They urged the court to consider the broader implications of bail, including the potential for flight risk and erosion of public confidence in the justice system.
In conclusion, the prosecution urged the court to prioritise the gravity of the offence, the suspects’ positions of influence, and the volatile public mood in determining whether bail should be granted.
The suspects are said to have assaulted Ojwang while in custody at the Central Police Station, Nairobi, leading to his death on June 8.
Meanwhile, Kenyans on social media have continued to demand the prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over the circumstances surrounding the death of the blogger.
Lagat, however, recorded a statement with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) where his lawyers denied any links to the incident. He remains outside the office, following his decision to step aside to pave the way for investigations.
