The Nairobi Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talam has been placed under heightened security while in custody at Lang’ata Police Station, amid concerns for his safety following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’ in police custody. The move follows national outrage over the incident, which has sparked calls for justice and accountability.
Talam, who once served as deputy OCS at Lang’ata, is now under the watch of officers who were formerly his juniors. His lawyer, Danstan Omari, confirmed Talam is in good spirits as he awaits arraignment. Authorities have restricted access to him, allowing only his lawyers and close family amid fears he could be harmed by someone “mischievous” seeking to implicate the police service.
Ojwang’ was arrested in Homa Bay on June 7 on allegations of false publication and transferred to Nairobi. He was later found dead in police custody, sparking a probe led by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Witnesses, including police officers and civilians, claim Talam was present at the scene despite his legal team stating he was off-duty.
IPOA has arrested several suspects, including officer James Mukhwana, detained for a week for allegedly participating in Ojwang’s fatal assault. A technician was also arrested for allegedly deleting CCTV footage of the incident, reportedly for Sh3,000.
Hospital surveillance footage has revealed further troubling details. On June 8 at 1:35 a.m., a police vehicle arrived at Mbagathi Hospital with Ojwang’ in the back. Officers delayed seeking medical assistance, and he was only admitted at 1:59 a.m.—24 minutes later. Medical staff found he was unresponsive, cold, and bore injuries consistent with trauma. He was declared dead 10 minutes later.
The police officers then returned Ojwang’s body to the van and left for City Mortuary. Investigations continue, including forensic analysis of mobile phones and further review of police conduct by the Internal Affairs Unit.
The case continues to draw widespread public attention, with human rights activists demanding swift and transparent justice for Ojwang’s death.
