Nairobi – Nairobi Central Police Station boss Samson Talaam and five other suspects will face murder charges on Tuesday in connection with the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that it has filed murder charges against Talaam and co-accused James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ngige Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
On Monday, the six were brought before the Kibera Law Courts. However, High Court Judge Diana Kavenza postponed the plea hearing after two of the suspects arrived without legal counsel. The court ordered that the suspects return Tuesday to formally answer to the charges.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay. Authorities accused him of posting defamatory content online targeting Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. After spending several hours at Mawego Police Station, Ojwang was transported overnight to Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
He was later pronounced dead while in police custody.
A post-mortem examination conducted two days later revealed multiple injuries to the head and body. The report cited blunt force trauma to the head, neck compression, and widespread bruises on his body. These findings point to violent assault as the cause of death.
Ojwang’s case has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny on police accountability in Kenya. Human rights groups have called for an independent probe to ensure a transparent legal process.
The suspects remain in custody pending Tuesday’s court session.
