IPOA SEEKS TO DETAIN CENTRAL OCS TALAAM FOR 21 DAYS

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority(IPOA) is seeking to detain the Officer Commanding Station(OCS) of Nairobi’s Central Police Station, Samson Talaam, for 21 days to allow completion of investigations into the death of Albert Ojwang who died while in police custody.  On Monday, IPOA filled a miscellaneous application at the Milimani Law Courts, stating the need for time extension to allow the detectives to complete their investigations. The application is supported by an affidavit sworn by Senior Assistant Director of Investigations Abdirahman Jibril, who is attached to IPOA headquarters.  IPOA stated that Talaam might interfere with crucial evidence or intimidate potential witnesses if released. The authority said that preliminary investigations suggest possible police misconduct and violations of human rights.

Ojwang was arrested on June 8th by DCI officers following defamation allegations by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was transported from Homabay to Nairobi where he was booked at Central Police Station. According to IPOA they are investigating Inquiry NO. IPOA/INV/467/2025 into the death of Ojwang, who was found dead inside the station’s holding cells hours later under mysterious circumstances.

The OCS Samson Talaam was arrested on June 13 2025, after his lawyer said he presented himself to the police. Talaam said that he was off duty when Ojwang was detained and had handed over his duties to his deputy. IPOA has also stated that Talaam’s mobile phones that were seized during arrest are yet to undergo forensic analysis.

Talaam is considered a prime suspect after multiple witnesses and suspects implicated him during IPOA’s ongoing investigations. Besides Talaam, three other officers are also being held in connection with the death of Ojwang. In total, 23 individuals including 17 police officers and six civilians have been questioned as suspects or witnesses. Ojwang’s family has called for justice and transparency, accusing the police of trying to cover up the circumstances around his death.