Suspect accused of 'swapping' OCS Talaam's SIM detained pending charge sheet review
Kiprono is alleged to be the key suspect in a SIM swap fraud involving a TECNO CLA5 mobile phone linked to Talaam.
Brian Kiprotich Kiprono, the man suspected of using a mobile phone belonging to former OCS Samson Talaam while in custody, will on Friday know whether he will be charged or not.
Milimani trial magistrate Caroline Mugo extended Kiprono's detention after the prosecution requested additional time to review and finalise the charge sheet.
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The DPP argued that the suspect would not suffer any prejudice due to the short extension of his detention.
The magistrate agreed with the DPP and directed that Kiprono be held at the Capitol Hill Police Station until August 1, when he is expected to be presented in court for plea taking.
Kiprono is alleged to be the key suspect in a SIM swap fraud involving a TECNO CLA5 mobile phone linked to Talaam.
The phone, together with its SIM card, was confiscated by officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on June 15, 2025.
The device had been submitted as an exhibit in an ongoing investigation into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, who allegedly died in police custody.
The DCI had earlier filed an application to continue detaining Kiprono for further investigations into the fraud allegations.
Defence lawyers claimed that the phone belonging to Talaam, currently in IPOA custody, had been used improperly to solicit money from members of the public.
"Your honour, we have credible evidence that individuals, including respected lawyer Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam's number requesting money.
"Ombeta was asked for Sh80,000 by an unidentified caller using the Talaam phone. The phone is being used for fundraising with claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial help," Omari told the court.
He added that the alleged fraudulent messages appear to be part of a wider scheme, noting that family members of the OCS have also reported receiving distressing messages from the same number, which should be securely stored by IPOA investigators.
"This is a serious issue. IPOA commissioners are the custodians of that phone and the corresponding passwords. If that phone is being used to swindle Kenyans while under IPOA's watch, then someone must be held accountable. We are asking this court to summon the commissioners themselves," Omari urged.
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