A fierce blame game has erupted within Kenya’s National Police Service following the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang, with officers from Nairobi’s Central Police Station now distancing themselves from the tragedy and pointing fingers at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
At the center of the storm is OCS Samson Taalam, the Officer Commanding Central Police Station, who has publicly denied any involvement in the alleged torture and death of the outspoken blogger — a case that has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
In a statement recorded with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Wednesday, Taalam claimed that by the time he was summoned, Ojwang was already in poor health. He insists he took the initiative to rush the detainee to hospital — but it was too late.
“It wasn’t me,” Taalam seemed to declare through his lawyer, Felix Keaton, who says the OCS is cooperating fully with IPOA investigators.
Meanwhile, other officers from the station have also submitted statements disassociating themselves from any wrongdoing, claiming that Ojwang was “already in critical condition” when he was brought in. Their testimonies strongly suggest that the DCI officers who arrested and transported Ojwang from his home in Nairobi could be the ones responsible for his condition.
DCI Boss: Taalam Is the Prime Suspect
But in a dramatic twist, DCI Director Amin Mohammed has turned the spotlight back on OCS Taalam. Speaking before a Senate committee, Amin dropped a bombshell — stating that Taalam refused to book Ojwang when he was presented at the station, despite being alerted by his juniors.
“From the totality of things, OCS Taalam should be treated as the prime suspect,” Amin declared, suggesting a possible deliberate attempt to avoid official documentation of the arrest and Ojwang’s deteriorating condition.
The DCI boss’s remarks have deepened the confusion and escalated the internal war within the police service — exposing long-suspected cracks in the criminal justice chain.
IPOA Tightens the Noose
IPOA is now racing against time to conclude its investigation and is expected to submit its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who will determine whether criminal charges will be brought against the officers involved.
So far, five unnamed DCI officers who picked up Ojwang from his residence remain under scrutiny, with human rights groups demanding their immediate suspension and arrest.
A Nation Demands Answers
Ojwang, known for his fearless blogging and critiques of state overreach, reportedly died just hours after being taken into custody. His supporters say he was targeted for speaking truth to power — and are calling for an independent inquest.
The public is watching closely as the case unfolds, with civil society organizations warning that anything less than full transparency will amount to a cover-up.
“This case will define whether IPOA and the DPP have real teeth or are just decorative bodies,” said activist Nduta Wambui of Justice Now Coalition.
As the police service turns on itself, the real question remains: Who killed Albert Ojwang — and will they be held accountable?
