Police officers charged with blogger's death denied bail

The Kenyan High Court has rejected a bail application by former Nairobi Central Police Station commanding officer Samson Talaam and five co-accused charged with the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang at the station in Nairobi. According to a Kenyans report, Justice Diana Kavedza, while delivering the ruling, directed that Talaam, Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three others continue to be detained as the murder case continues. The prosecution argued that if granted bail, the six would interfere with witnesses and the ongoing investigations by agencies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. Kavedza, however, disagreed with the prosecution, noting that no evidence had been presented to support the claim. The judge ruled that the widespread protests, destruction of property and the burning of a police station following the death of Ojwang, posed serious risks, and releasing the accused would endanger their safety. The court emphasised that it holds the sole discretion to balance public interest with the safety of the accused. The judge further noted that national security is a fundamental concern and cannot be treated casually when weighed against other interests. She observed that releasing the suspects at this stage would likely trigger public uproar and undermine stability, making bail an unwise option. Consequently, the court denied bail to all six suspects. However, the judge gave another bail window to Talaam and the co-accused, ruling that parties are at liberty to make new applications once key civilians and police from the Central Police Station have testified. The suspects are said to have co-ordinated the assault on Ojwang while in custody, leading to his death on 8 June.