Albert Ojwang murder probe: OCS Samson Talaam detained for 15 more days
A Nairobi court has ruled that OCS Nairobi Central Police Station, Samson Talaam, will be remanded for 15 more days to allow police to complete investigations into the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
This is after Milimani Principal Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi found that the prosecution's application to detain the OCS was merited.
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Judge Ekhubi noted that while courts typically require specific proof of threats or attempts to interfere with witnesses, the prosecution had demonstrated such interference, including allegations that the crime scene and CCTV footage had been tampered with.
"The blue code is a common phenomenon within police ranks - even in jurisdictions like the United States. Hi senior position and long-standing service in the force gave him access to a network capable of shielding him from accountability and influencing the investigation", the magistrate said.
He also ruled that the prosecution had made a compelling case regarding potential witness interference and ordered that Talaam be remanded for 15 days as investigations continue.
The court, however, rejected the prosecution's claim that Talaam should be held for his safety, noting that public protests and anger had continued even while he remained in custody. Ekhubi ruled that the ongoing demonstrations did not justify continued detention on safety grounds alone.
Talaam was first arraigned on Monday following his arrest over the weekend. The prosecution claims they have evidence of his interference with evidence in the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
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