Samson Taalam, the Officer Commanding Central Police Station in Nairobi, is now considered the main suspect in the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang. This was confirmed by the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, during a Senate hearing on Wednesday. The case has drawn national attention following public outcry over Ojwang’s mysterious death while in police custody.
According to Amin, investigations show that OCS Taalam refused to formally book Ojwang into the station when he arrived, raising serious concerns about his involvement.
“It has been confirmed that before the booking, the report office personnel called the OCS. Unfortunately, Taalam declined to book the suspect,” Amin told senators. “From the totality of things, he should be treated as the prime suspect in the matter.”
Amin also contested earlier accounts suggesting a long, unclear transport timeline from Homa Bay to Nairobi. He clarified that Ojwang was first taken to Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay on Saturday afternoon and then transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi the same evening. “The vehicle used to transport him was a DCI vehicle, and we can confirm its movement using GPS,” he explained. “Ojwang was booked out at Mawego at 4:00 pm and booked in at Central Police Station at 9:32 pm.”
Amin dismissed allegations that Ojwang may have been tortured during the journey. He stated that Ojwang looked normal upon arrival and was placed in a cell without signs of distress. The booking was recorded digitally, eliminating the possibility of tampering. Amin also noted that Ojwang spoke to his wife while at the station and was treated humanely throughout the trip. He even claimed that Ojwang was given refreshments during a stop in Narok.
These statements conflict with earlier reports from within the police station that claimed Ojwang was bleeding and in poor condition when he was finally booked. Records allegedly included the word “sick” beside his name. Hours later, he was declared dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital at 1:39 am.
The Senate session marked a significant turning point in the investigation, as the DCI boss publicly placed responsibility on a senior officer. The case continues to raise serious questions about police conduct and accountability in Kenya.
By Lucky Anyanje