Kenya: Nairobi Police Chief Detained Over Death of...

Kenya: Nairobi Police Chief Detained Over Death of Blogger in Custody

Zim Now Writer

The head of Nairobi’s Central Police Station, Officer Commanding Station Samson Talam, has been arrested in connection with the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, who died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody last weekend.

Independent investigators say Talam is among several individuals facing scrutiny, including Police Constable James Mukhwana and a technician accused of disabling the station’s CCTV system in an alleged cover-up attempt.

Ojwang’s death has ignited public outrage, triggering protests across Nairobi after an autopsy and investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority contradicted official police claims that the blogger died from self-inflicted injuries. Initial police reports suggested that Ojwang fatally injured himself by repeatedly banging his head against the cell wall — a claim that doctors have since dismissed, stating the injuries are consistent with an assault.

At least 23 people have been questioned, with five officers removed from active duty as investigations continue.

Ojwang was reportedly arrested for a post on X (formerly Twitter) that criticized Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat. He was later found unconscious in his cell and died after being transferred to a hospital.

Following mounting pressure, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja withdrew the initial police statement and issued a public apology, acknowledging that the report had contained “misinformation” from junior officers.

On Friday, PC James Mukhwana appeared in court and was ordered to remain in custody pending a bail hearing next week. According to court documents, Mukhwana and other unidentified suspects are believed to have been directly involved in Ojwang’s killing and in efforts to obstruct justice by tampering with surveillance footage.

While Mukhwana has not yet responded to the charges, his lawyer argued for bail, noting that the officer voluntarily turned himself in when summoned.

Local media also reported the arrest of a technician who allegedly disabled the CCTV system at the station, preventing critical evidence from being captured.