Fresh Twist in Albert Ojwang Murder Case as Accused Officers Deny Charges in Court
The murder case involving Albert Omondi Ojwang has taken a new turn just a day after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) formally approved murder charges against six individuals.
During their court appearance at the Kibera High Court on Tuesday, the accused officers strongly denied the allegations brought against them.
The DPP presented the case against Samson Talaam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi Central Police Station, alongside James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, and three other officers.
They are all accused of participating in the brutal murder of Ojwang on the night of June 7 to June 8, 2025, while he was held in custody at the Central Police Station. However, each of the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Responding to these developments, the DPP strongly objected to the release of the suspects on bail or bond. The prosecution team outlined a number of serious concerns, including fears that granting bail could severely compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
According to the court submissions, one of the officers, John Gitau—who is separately being investigated for a different murder case—was present at the station during the time of Ojwang’s death.
The court also learned about the specific roles of the other accused: Talaam was the OCS, Mukhwana served as the daytime cell sentry, and Kimani was responsible for the night shift cell monitoring duties.
The DPP emphasized that releasing the suspects would expose the case to major risks such as interference with evidence, intimidation of witnesses, and disruption of ongoing investigative processes.
They stressed that the accused, being active members of the police force, have insider knowledge of the police system, unrestricted access to weapons, and the ability to manipulate internal mechanisms. This strategic advantage, the prosecution argued, could be used to distort facts or obstruct justice.
Moreover, the prosecution highlighted the high public interest surrounding the case. The killing of Ojwang, a popular blogger, sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.
Authorities warned that releasing the suspects could reignite tensions and potentially disturb public order.
The DPP also urged the court to take into account the seriousness of the offence, the influential roles of the suspects within the police hierarchy, and the current sensitive public atmosphere.
They warned that granting bail might not only lead to a flight risk but could also weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.
In a detailed account of the incident, the court heard that Ojwang was allegedly assaulted while in custody at the Central Police Station, injuries that eventually led to his death on June 8.
Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount on Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, with many Kenyans on social media demanding that he also be held accountable for his alleged connection to the incident.
However, Lagat has already recorded a statement with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). His legal team has strongly denied any involvement in the death of Ojwang. For now, Lagat remains out of office, having voluntarily stepped aside to allow investigators to carry out an impartial and thorough investigation.
As the case unfolds, the public remains closely engaged, demanding justice for Ojwang and accountability from those in positions of authority.
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