Nairobi, September 30- The High Court has declined to grant bail to former Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam and five others charged in connection with the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Lady Justice Diana Kavedza ordered Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, together with three other accused persons, to remain in custody as investigations continue. Ojwang died on June 8 while being held at the Nairobi Central Police Station.
Prosecutors argued that releasing the accused could compromise witnesses and ongoing investigations led by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). However, Justice Kavedza dismissed the argument, noting that the prosecution had not presented solid evidence to prove that bail would interfere with the case.
The judge instead cited public safety as the main reason for denying bail. She referenced the violent protests, destruction of property, and the burning of a police station that followed Ojwang’s death, warning that the suspects’ release could ignite further unrest.
“National security is a serious concern and must be weighed carefully when considering bail,” Justice Kavedza said. She stressed that bail is not an automatic entitlement and may be restricted where public confidence in the justice system or national stability is at stake.
The court noted that the case has not only caused immense personal loss but also sparked widespread public outrage.
Although bail was denied, Justice Kavedza allowed the possibility of a future application, indicating that Talaam and his co-accused may reapply once key witnesses, including civilians and police officers from Nairobi Central Police Station, have testified.
The six are accused of jointly assaulting Ojwang while in custody, an attack that allegedly led to his death. The case continues to attract national attention as Kenyans await justice for the young teacher and blogger.
