Former Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Kiprotich Talaam will spend more time in custody after the Kibera Law Court set September 30, 2025, as the date to rule on his bail application. Talaam, together with five co-accused, is facing charges related to the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang.
The decision was announced after the matter came up for mention on Thursday, with all six suspects appearing virtually from remand. High Court Judge Diana Kavenza stated that her ruling on whether to grant or deny bail will be delivered in open court at midday on the scheduled date. Until then, the accused will remain in detention.
The six individuals charged in connection with the killing include Talaam, Police Constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue. They were formally charged in June and all pleaded not guilty.
Ojwang, 31, died on June 8, 2025, while being held at Central Police Station in Nairobi. Police initially reported that he had taken his own life after being arrested for allegedly defaming a senior police official. However, a post-mortem examination conducted shortly after his death revealed that he succumbed to injuries consistent with physical assault, raising suspicions of foul play.
During the bail hearing, defense lawyers argued that their clients were not flight risks and should be released pending trial. They maintained that continued detention would unfairly prejudice the accused, who had already spent months in custody since their arrest.
The prosecution strongly opposed the application, insisting that the suspects were likely to interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence if granted bail. To guide her decision, Judge Kavenza directed the preparation of a pre-bail report, which will form part of the considerations in the final ruling.
The outcome of the bail ruling is expected to shape the course of the high-profile case, which has drawn public attention due to the controversial circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death. Until the decision is delivered, Talaam and his co-accused will remain in custody as they await trial.
