The prosecution has urged the court to deny Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam release on bail and bond following the murder charges levelled against them.
In a statement dated Tuesday, June 2, the ODPP expressed concerns over the possible interference of witnesses by Talaam and his co-accused.
Those accused alongside Talaam include officers James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani. Other civilians accused of the murder of Albert Ojwang include John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
"It was further submitted that the accused, being serving police officers, possess significant operational knowledge, access to firearms, and influence over internal police systems, including familiarity with witnesses and records — all of which could be used to compromise the case," read the statement in part.
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Additionally, the prosecution told the court that the continued detention of the accused persons would guarantee their safety, given the recent public uproar.
"The prosecution highlighted the widespread public outrage and protests that followed the killing, noting that releasing the accused could lead to further unrest and threaten public peace and order," read the statement in part.
"The DPP urged the court to find that the Prosecution had presented compelling reasons under Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution to deny bail."
Talaam and 5 others are accused of being responsible for the death of Ojwang, which took place on the night of June 7th at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
While appearing before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, the six accused persons denied the charges.
"The court heard that Talaam was the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), and James Mukwana served as the daytime cell sentry, while Peter Kimani was in charge the night shift cell sentry, and John Gitau, a police officer under investigation for a separate murder case, had been detained at Central Police Station at the time of the incident," the ODPP added.
According to an earlier confession by Mukhwana, Ojwang was not to be killed but to be beaten up as 'discipline' for defaming Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
