There was drama in court as lawyer Danstan Omari declared that former Nairobi Central Police Station boss Samson Talaam is no longer a police officer and cannot intimidate witnesses.
This came as the High Court was told not to grant bail to Talaam and five others charged with the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.The accused include Police Constables James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
They are accused of torturing and killing Ojwang while he was in custody last month.
While delivering the probation report on Wednesday, Justice Diana Kavedza said the report advised against releasing any of the six officers on bond.
The report cited the seriousness of the case and possible risks involved if they are freed before the case is heard.Lawyer Omari, representing Talaam, opposed the report and pushed for bail. He argued that Talaam had served for 28 years in the police force and had no reason to flee.
Omari presented a letter in court showing Talaam had been removed from service and was no longer in a position to interfere with witnesses.
However, the prosecution opposed bail, saying the case involves public interest and that the accused may abscond, especially because the charge carries the possibility of the death penalty.
Justice Kavedza said she will give a ruling on bond on September 26, 2025.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7 and taken to Central Police Station.
He was later found unconscious in his cell and pronounced dead at Mbagathi Hospital.
A postmortem revealed he died from blunt force injuries and neck compression.
By Nation