NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court has declined to release six police officers and three civilians accused of murdering blogger Albert Ojwang at the Nairobi Central Police Station in June.
Justice Diana Kadveza on Tuesday ordered that the nine remain in custody until key witnesses, particularly police officers attached to the station, have testified.
Former Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Kiprotich Talaam, Constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, and three civilians — John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue — are facing murder charges over Ojwang’s death on the night of June 7–8, 2025.
The court held that there were credible fears the accused could interfere with witnesses and evidence if released.
Justice Kadveza said that although some of the officers claimed to have been interdicted, their links within the police service gave them influence capable of undermining the trial.
She added that the concerns were not speculative, citing risks such as possible tampering with CCTV footage.
“Bail is a constitutional right under Article 49, but it is not absolute. The gravity of the offence of murder, coupled with the high profiles of the accused, increases the likelihood of absconding trial,” the judge ruled.
The defence had argued that the prosecution failed to provide proof of interference with witnesses.
However, Justice Kadveza said public interest and national security outweighed the personal liberty of the accused at this stage.
Ojwang’s death sparked nationwide protests and public outrage, with rights groups demanding accountability over alleged extrajudicial killings.
The judge directed that the accused remain in custody until witnesses stationed at Nairobi Central Police Station complete their testimony.
