The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is set to probe allegations that the phone belonging to Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Kiprotich Talaam, is being used to solicit money from his legal team and family members. The phone is currently under investigation in a case involving the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
This development emerged during a court session where the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), through Principal Prosecution Counsel, informed the court that IPOA had already requested DCI to launch an investigation. The request comes amid claims raised by Talaam’s lawyers, who reported receiving messages from his confiscated phone requesting money.
Appearing before Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, the prosecution supported the call for an immediate investigation. The magistrate cautioned both the DPP and IPOA against interfering with the process and emphasized the seriousness of the matter.
Talaam’s legal team, led by lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta, told the court that they and the officer’s relatives had received suspicious messages allegedly originating from the detained phone. The messages included requests for money, specifically Ksh80,000. The lawyers expressed concern over the implications of such communication coming from a device that should be securely held as evidence.
The defense further revealed that a report had been filed at Lang’ata Police Station and urged the court to summon the IPOA Senior Assistant Director of Investigations handling the case to offer clarity. They also requested the court to push for an expedited investigation to preserve the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
In response, the prosecution neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but acknowledged the seriousness of the claims. It was confirmed that Talaam’s phone had been taken for forensic analysis and was supposed to be in safe custody. According to the prosecution, IPOA’s Officer Jibril, who is handling the evidence, responded that the phone is switched off and remains in the laboratory.
Despite this, the court questioned how someone could use a secured device to communicate and attempt to solicit money. The prosecution stressed that if proven, such actions would not only undermine the credibility of the investigation but also raise concerns about the handling of sensitive evidence in high-profile cases.
The court has ordered the DCI to carry out thorough investigations and present their findings by July 1, 2025. This case now places IPOA under scrutiny, with expectations high for transparency and accountability in the management of evidence.
