The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, Mohammed Amin, has identified Samson Taalam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, as the prime suspect in the death of popular X influencer and teacher, Albert Ojwang.
Speaking before the Senate on Tuesday, Amin stated that Taalam bears the greatest responsibility for the incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 8, under suspicious circumstances while Ojwang was in police custody.
“Taalam is the OCS of Central Police Station, and by the totality of things, he should be treated as the prime suspect in this matter,” Amin told the Senate. He also dismissed earlier reports that Ojwang had not been booked at the station, clarifying that booking had indeed been done digitally, and only after the report office personnel had called the OCS.
“It is unfortunate it is being said that Taalam declined to book the suspect,” Amin added. “The facts point squarely to his command responsibility.”
Ojwang, a teacher and outspoken online commentator, was arrested at his home in Homa Bay County on Friday, June 6, over allegations of publishing false information. He was transferred to Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station under OB number 136/7/6/2025 at 9:35 p.m. the following day.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in response to public outrage and preliminary findings, has since interdicted Taalam and five other officers. These include the deputy OCS, the crime aid officer, a non-commissioned officer, the cell sentry officer, and the report office personnel.
Ojwang’s death has sparked national outrage after police initially claimed he had committed suicide by hitting his head on the wall of his cell. However, an autopsy revealed a different story. Pathologists found that Ojwang died from head injuries, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue trauma—injuries inconsistent with a self-inflicted death.
Ojwang was discovered unconscious during routine cell checks and later pronounced dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.
The Senate has vowed to push for accountability, and civil society groups have demanded justice for the slain teacher. Investigations into the officers’ conduct and circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s arrest and detention are ongoing.
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