Nairobi, Kenya – The ruling on a bail application filed by former Nairobi Central OCS Samson Kiprotich Talaam and five other officers accused of murdering blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang has been postponed to September 30, 2025.
The bail decision was expected on Friday, September 26, but Kibera Magistrate Daisy Mutai informed the accused that High Court Judge Diana Kavedza would deliver the ruling later due to unavoidable circumstances.
The six, Talaam, Police Constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue, are charged with murder under sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code. They pleaded not guilty on June 24.
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed their release, warning that the officers could interfere with witnesses, some of whom are fellow police officers. Prosecutors cited tampering with CCTV footage at Central Police Station as evidence of obstruction.
A probation report submitted to the court recommended against granting bail, citing public hostility and safety concerns. “For their own safety, I recommend that bail or bond be deferred to a later date when the country and the emotions are calm,” the report noted.
Ojwang’s family also expressed fears that the accused could use proxies to interfere with proceedings if freed.
Despite this, the defence urged the court to consider bail, pledging compliance with any conditions imposed.
The bail ruling on September 30 is expected to test judicial balancing between the rights of accused officers and the demands of justice in a case that has sparked public outrage over custodial deaths in Kenya.
