Three police officers, including the interdicted Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Central Police Station, are set to be charged today with the murder of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody two weeks ago. The officers Samson Taalam, James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani appeared before Kibera High Court on Monday but did not enter pleas due to lack of legal representation for some of the accused.
In addition to the three officers, three civilians John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue who were reportedly present in the cell during the incident, are also set to be charged. All six suspects will face charges of murder contrary to Section 204 of the Penal Code.
Justice Diana Kavedza, who presided over the initial session, deferred the plea-taking after determining that it would be unfair to proceed without all the accused having access to legal counsel. She instructed that legal representation be arranged for the unrepresented suspects and scheduled the plea-taking for today.
The murder of Albert Ojwang has stirred public concern, with calls for greater accountability in police conduct, especially in custodial environments. The case has drawn attention not only for the seriousness of the charge but also because it implicates officers tasked with upholding law and order.
Meanwhile, another high-profile case is unfolding at the Milimani Law Courts, where a ruling is expected today on a bail and bond application involving a director accused of embezzling over Sh356 million from an import-export firm in Nairobi.
The accused, Honey Khatwani, pleaded not guilty to charges of theft. Through his lawyer, Khatwani requested lenient bail terms, citing his role as the sole provider for his family. The prosecution, while not opposing the request for bail, insisted on strict conditions to ensure the accused remains available for trial.
Khatwani, an Indian national residing in Kenya with his family, is a director at Oki General Trading Limited based in the Baba Dogo area of Nairobi. According to the charge sheet, the alleged theft occurred between January 2020 and June 2024, during which time Khatwani allegedly misappropriated Sh356,711,174.40 that belonged to the company and had come into his possession through his role as director.
Both cases are being closely monitored by legal observers and the public alike, with broader implications for justice, corporate governance, and the credibility of institutions charged with safeguarding public and private interests.
