Albert Ojwang murder, Officers Denied Bail
The High Court has handed a setback to former Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Kiprotich Talaam, constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, and three other co-accused by refusing to grant them bail.
The officers, along with civilians John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue, are facing serious charges for the alleged joint murder of Albert Ojwang during the night of June 7th and 8th, 2025, at the Central Police Station in Nairobi. Justice Diana Kadveza has decided that the six accused will stay in custody until crucial witnesses have had their chance to testify.
The court expressed serious concerns about potential interference with key witnesses, especially those within the police force.
In her decision, Justice Kadveza pointed out that even though the first and second accused claimed they had been suspended, they still had connections and influence that could jeopardize the integrity of the criminal justice system.
She stressed that the worries raised were not just baseless fears but were based on real risks, including the chance of tampering with CCTV footage.
The court made it clear that while bail is a constitutional right under Article 49, it isn’t an absolute guarantee.
“The gravity of the offence of murder coupled with the high profiles of the accused increase the likelihood of absconding trial,” court noted.
The defense claimed that there was no solid evidence to show that witnesses were interfered with or that evidence was tampered with. However, the judge decided that the need for public interest and national security was more important than the personal freedom of the accused at this point.
The murder of the blogger, which ignited protests and widespread outrage across the country, was deemed by the court to be a serious public issue that needed a careful balance between justice and maintaining order.
As a result, the bail application was denied, and the court ordered that the accused remain in custody.
“The application of bail is declined at this stage until the witnesses at the central police station have testified in custody until witnesses based at the Nairobi Central Police Station testify,” court ruled.
Albert Ojwang murder, Officers Denied Bail
