Why a Kenyan court denied bail to 6 police officers accused in blogger Albert Ojwang’s murder
The High Court in Nairobi has denied bail to six suspects, including three police officers, charged with the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
The court ordered that they remain in custody until their next hearing, scheduled for September 26, 2025.
Footage from the Kibera courtroom captured the accused arriving amid tight security as their legal teams pleaded for their release on bail. The accused include former Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and police constable James Mukhwana.
During the bail hearing, the defence emphasised that the accused had strong community ties and a clean record. Lawyer Stanley Kinyanjui, representing Talam, acknowledged that while the probation report had generally portrayed the accused positively, it cited the victim’s family's views as a key reason for recommending against bail.
“The only disconnect between the probation office and the right of the accused person to be granted bail was the views of the victim,” said Kinyanjui.
The prosecution warned that releasing the accused on bail could result in witness interference and evidence tampering concerns that ultimately influenced the judge’s decision.
Defence attorney Danstan Omari maintained his clients’ innocence. “We are very definite that after trial, they will be walking out of this court as acquitted citizens,” he said, expressing confidence in the eventual outcome.
The murder case has stirred national outrage. Ojwang was reportedly arrested at his rural home and later died in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. A post-mortem revealed he suffered blunt force trauma to the head, neck compression, and widespread bruising, consistent with allegations of torture.
All six accused have pleaded not guilty. The case remains under public scrutiny as demands for police accountability continue to grow.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
