Deserter GSU officer among six charged with murder of Ojwang at Central Police Station
The officer, John Ngige Gitau, was named during a bail hearing where the prosecution opposed the release of all six suspects, including former Central Police Station OCS, Chief Inspector Samson Talaam.
A General Service Unit (GSU) officer who had deserted the force and is also under investigation for a separate murder is among six suspects charged with the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
The officer, identified as John Ngige Gitau, was implicated during a bail hearing in which the prosecution opposed the release of all six suspects, including former Central Police Station OCS, Chief Inspector Samson Talaam.
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Led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, the prosecution told High Court judge Diana Kavedza that Gitau had not only deserted the force but was also being held in connection with another murder.
“The fourth accused (Gitau) is said to have held a position of trust among detainees at the Central Police Station, commonly referred to as Kinara, hence the capacity to interfere with potential witnesses who were in remand at the material times,” Justin Nyatete, a lead investigator with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a sworn affidavit.
The six accused, Talaam, Gitau, James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki, denied murdering Ojwang on the night of June 7 and 8, 2025, inside a holding cell at the Central Police Station.
The prosecution urged the court to deny them bail, citing their ability to interfere with witnesses and the risk of fleeing the country due to the seriousness of the charge.
Nyatete told the court that Talaam, who has served in the police service for 29 years, was the custodian of the station’s surveillance system and records at the time of Ojwang’s detention.
Full operational powers
“He held full operational powers, including access to firearms, powers of arrest, and a deep understanding of police networks and procedures,” Nyatete added.
Mukhwana, the court heard, was the day cell sentry officer responsible for the keys and direct access to the cells, while Kimani served as the night cell sentry officer and had been stationed at Central for about three years.
“Based on the capacities of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd accused, they are capable of locating and interfering with civilian witnesses who were in custody at the time of the deceased’s detention and subsequent death,” Nyatete said.
He further revealed that the surveillance system inside the OCS’ office had been tampered with, and evidence from the crime scene, including cell CCTV footage, was deliberately interfered with. Logs were altered, systems disconnected, and data erased, suggesting attempts to obstruct investigations.
The family’s lawyer, Julius Juma, supported the prosecution’s bid to deny bail, saying the suspects could intimidate witnesses, including junior officers who had already recorded statements.
Living in fear
“Since the death of their son, Ojwang’s family has been living in fear. Their home has been frequented by unknown individuals,” Juma said.
Defence lawyers, 15 in total, opposed the application, arguing that the Constitution guarantees the accused the right to bail.
“There are no compelling reasons to deny our clients bail. They are willing to comply with all conditions set by the court,” lawyer Danstan Omari said.
Ojwang was arrested on June 7, 2025, following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. The DIG had raised concerns over alleged malicious and false content shared on the X account “Pixel Pioneer.”
The teacher was picked up by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Lida Centre in Homa Bay County and transported to Nairobi, where he was detained at Central Police Station.
He was later found lying unresponsive in his cell and was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
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