DPP States Albert Ojwang’s Death in Custody Was Planned Murder

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) told the High Court in Kibera that the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang inside Nairobi’s Central Police Station was an orchestrated murder followed by an intentional effort to destroy evidence.

Prosecutors rejected initial police claims alleging the 30-year-old educator fatally harmed himself after his arrest on June 7, 2025. Medical findings revealed Ojwang died from severe blunt force head trauma, neck compression, and soft tissue injuries inconsistent with self-inflicted wounds.

Six individuals—including former Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three civilians—face murder charges in connection with the fatal assault.

During court proceedings on July 20, 2026, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi outlined the prosecution’s case before High Court Judge Diana Kavedza, pointing out that state officers breached their constitutional obligation to safeguard a helpless detainee.

“The prosecution will demonstrate that this was a case of abuse of power and authority by police officers who had a constitutional duty to protect his life,” Gichuhi told the court. “The evidence will show that the death was caused by assault, which was fatal and was orchestrated and planned.”

Prosecution witnesses testified that surveillance equipment was tampered with immediately following Ojwang’s death. CCTV technician Aloni Okwako stated that the station’s digital video recorder was disconnected, hard drives were removed, and footage from June 6 and 7 was erased to obscure cell access.

The ongoing trial highlights growing public scrutiny surrounding police accountability and safety within official custody across Kenya.

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