Chief Inspector Samson Talaam, the Officer Commanding Central Police Station, and his junior, Constable James Mukhwana, have strongly denied any involvement in the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody.
In an urgent petition filed before the Milimani High Court’s Constitutional and Human Rights Division, the two officers are seeking to halt the ongoing investigation, their detention, and potential prosecution over Ojwang’s death.
They argue that the case should be subject to a formal inquest to establish the true cause of death.
According to the petition, both officers were not on duty when Ojwang was booked into the Central Police Station on June 7, 2025.
Taalam claims he had handed over control of the station to his deputy on that day and was not present when Ojwang was brought in.
Mukhwana, who was responsible for overseeing the cells, insists his shift had ended before Ojwang’s arrival.
The officers argue their ongoing detention and investigation are unlawful, premature, and a distraction from uncovering the true culprits behind Ojwang’s death.
“We were not involved,” they stated, demanding an inquest rather than arbitrary arrests aimed at tarnishing their reputations.
Taalam has also raised concerns about the legality of his own arrest, claiming it violated police protocol, as he was booked by a civilian at Lang’ata Police Station, contrary to standard procedure.
Their lawyer, Danstan Omari, argues that the Criminal Procedure Code mandates inquest proceedings for deaths in police custody, not arbitrary detentions.
The officers are seeking a conservatory order from the court to stop their continued detention, investigation, and any planned criminal proceedings.
The High Court is set to issue directions on the matter, as the matter intensifies over the mysterious death of Albert Ojwang’.
