NAIROBI, Kenya – The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, Samson Talaam, has been detained for 15 days to allow further investigation into the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi granted the prosecution’s request to remand Talaam, citing credible evidence of witness interference and tampering with key evidence, including the crime scene and CCTV footage.
“The blue code is a common phenomenon within police ranks — even in jurisdictions like the United States,” Ekhubi said, referring to the alleged culture of silence and protection among officers.
The magistrate noted that Talaam’s seniority within the force and deep institutional connections could be used to frustrate investigations and shield himself from accountability if released.
“His long-standing service gives him access to a network capable of obstructing justice,” he ruled.
Tampering Allegations and Public Pressure
Prosecutors argued that Talaam should be remanded to prevent further interference, pointing to suspicious alterations of surveillance footage and potential witness intimidation within the station.
The prosecution also cited “obstructionist behaviour” allegedly perpetrated by officers under Talaam’s command.
Although the State had additionally requested Talaam’s detention for his own safety—citing mounting public outrage and ongoing protests—Ekhubi rejected that reasoning.
“Public anger persisted even while he was in custody. His safety, though important, is not in itself grounds for continued detention,” the magistrate ruled.
The case has fueled widespread outrage and ignited youth-led protests demanding accountability for a string of police brutality cases, including the recent shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker shot in the head by a uniformed officer during a demonstration.
A Warning From History
Magistrate Ekhubi opened his ruling with a grave reflection on the state of law enforcement and impunity, invoking history as a warning.
“I point out — and shudder for my country — what has happened during the demonstrations. I remind my country of the words spoken in Rwanda during the genocide: ‘Never again.’”
He concluded that the prosecution had provided a compelling case that met the legal threshold for pre-trial detention and ordered Talaam to remain in remand for 15 days as investigations proceed.
