NAIROBI, Kenya – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has accused Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Taalam of tampering with crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation into the death of 26-year-old Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, State prosecutors alleged that Taalam, who is in charge of station operations and surveillance systems, hired a technician to interfere with CCTV footage in what the prosecution says was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
“The respondent is the custodian of all station records and the surveillance system. He brought in a technician to manipulate the footage after Ojwang’s death, which undermines efforts to uncover the truth,” the prosecution told the court.
Taalam’s mobile phone has already been seized and is currently undergoing forensic analysis as part of a wider investigation into the suspected cover-up.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is leading the probe, is now seeking to have the senior officer detained for 21 days to prevent further interference.
“There are witnesses, particularly police officers who were on duty that day, who are yet to be interviewed. Given the respondent’s rank, there is a high likelihood he will interfere with them,” State Counsel told the court.
The DPP argued that the requested detention period is the “least intrusive measure” necessary to protect the integrity of the probe and uphold the rights of the victim’s family.
“We have satisfied all legal thresholds for pre-trial detention. This is not a fishing expedition; there is already demonstrable interference with evidence and potential witnesses,” the prosecution submitted.
Ojwang’s death, which has sparked public outrage and calls for police accountability, has drawn criticism from political leaders, including Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Chief Justice David Maraga, who have demanded swift prosecution of those responsible.
