Albert Ojwang' murder case: OCS Talaam, Mukhwana to know fate on bail application bid

The High Court is expected to deliver a ruling on whether interdicted Central Police OCS Samson Talaam and his co-accused will be released on bail as they await trial for the murder of Albert Ojwang'.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the defence team urged the court to grant bail to officers Talaam, James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani.

Talaam’s lawyer argued that his client is a family man with children who depend on him, and therefore deserves to be released on bail.

However, the prosecution strongly opposed the application, warning that the accused could interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence if released.

Advocates representing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) contended that the officers maintain active links within the police service, making it likely that they could use their networks to obstruct justice.

Other accused persons in the case include John Ngige, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki.

Ojwang was arrested at his home in Homa Bay after allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and later died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

Ojwang's death sparked public uproar, prompting demonstrations against police brutality and DIG Lagat's resignation.

OCS Taalam and PC Mukhwana were apprehended and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) later opposed an attempt by senior police officers to block their prosecution.

The authority at the time maintained that the ongoing prosecution stems from a thorough, independent investigation that uncovered sufficient grounds to implicate the officers in Ojwang’s death.