DPP opposes bail for officers linked to Ojwang's murder

Six suspects linked to the killing of blogger cum teacher Albert Ojwang from left to right Samson Talaam James Mukhwana Peter Kimani alias Kim John NgigeGitau Gin Ammitou Abwao alias Gilbeys and Brian Mwaniki Njue at a Kibera court on Tuesday,June 23. They will however Take plea today because two suspects didn't have their lawyers in court. [Collins Kweyu,Standard]

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has opposed the release on bail of Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, and five other police officers charged with the murder of Albert Ojwang.

Appearing before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza on Tuesday, June 24, the prosecution argued that granting bail would hinder investigations into the killing.

"Prosecution argued that granting bail to the accused would likely lead to interference with witnesses and ongoing investigations," read a statement from ODPP.

The prosecution further submitted that the accused officers, being active members of the police service, possess operational knowledge, access to firearms, and influence over internal police systems. This, they argued, includes familiarity with witnesses and access to records that could be used to compromise the case.

The ODPP also cited widespread public outrage and protests following Ojwang's death, warning that releasing the suspects could fuel further unrest and threaten public peace.

The six officers namely Talaam, Police Constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue, are jointly accused of killing Ojwang on the night of June 7, at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

Citing Article 49 (1) of the Constitution, the ODPP urged the court to deny bail, saying the suspects pose a flight risk, could interfere with witnesses, and represent a threat to public order and safety.

The court also heard that Talaam was the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Mukhwana served as the daytime cell sentry, Kimani was in charge of the night shift, and Gitau, also under investigation for a separate murder, was in custody at Central Police Station at the time of the incident.