NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talam has been arrested following a day-long manhunt that ended in Eldoret on Friday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed.
Talam, who had reportedly switched off his phone on Thursday to evade arrest, was tracked down by detectives and handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for processing.
His arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang, a man who died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody.
Talam becomes the third person taken into custody in connection with the case.
Ojwang had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay over allegations of publishing false information and was transferred to Nairobi, where he was booked at Central Police Station.
He died shortly after, with preliminary reports indicating he was severely beaten while in custody.
The incident has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the National Police Service.
According to IPOA, Talam is a prime suspect, with multiple witnesses and fellow officers reportedly implicating him in Ojwang’s death.
A female officer also linked to the case was questioned for several hours on Friday and is expected to face further interrogation.
IPOA says the probe has unearthed a coordinated attempt to cover up the incident.
Seventeen officers and six civilians have so far been questioned, including a CCTV technician who admitted to being paid Sh3,000 to delete footage from the night of Ojwang’s death.
Some officers initially interviewed have since returned to IPOA to revise their statements and provide new information.
Detectives are now searching for a riot baton believed to have been used in the fatal assault, which they say took place inside the police station’s cells.
Meanwhile, Constable James Mukhwana remains in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station after a Milimani court granted IPOA’s request to detain him for seven days.
The oversight body told the court that Mukhwana, along with other officers yet to be arrested, is believed to have taken part in the assault and cover-up.
IPOA also raised concerns that releasing him could lead to witness interference or tampering with crucial evidence, including custody records.
Forensic analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones and results from the government chemist are still pending and are expected to be key in advancing the case.
Ojwang’s death is the latest in a series of high-profile cases that have raised alarm over police brutality and abuse of power, putting further pressure on authorities to deliver justice and reform.
