Three police officers accused in the killing of influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang have denied murder charges in court. The case was heard on Tuesday at the Kibera High Court, just a day after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) gave the green light for the suspects to be charged.

Those charged include:

• Samson Talaam, Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Nairobi Central Police Station

• James Mukhwana, daytime cell sentry

• Peter Kimani, night shift cell sentry

• Plus three others whose names were not immediately disclosed

What Happened?

Ojwang, a popular social media personality, died in police custody on June 8, hours after being arrested. The DPP claims he was assaulted while in the cells at Central Police Station.

The case has stirred nationwide outrage, with citizens demanding accountability and justice.

Prosecution: No Bail, Too Risky

The prosecution firmly opposed bail. Their argument? Letting the officers out could:

• Lead to witness tampering

• Obstruct investigations

• Erode public confidence in the justice system

• Even spark public unrest given the emotional nature of the case

Prosecutors told the court that the accused have access to internal police systems, weapons, and influence, which makes them a threat to the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

High Stakes in Court

They also pointed to the presence of another police officer, John Gitau, at the station during Ojwang’s final hours. Gitau is separately under investigation for a different murder case.

The DPP wants the court to consider:

• The seriousness of the charges

• The officers’ positions of authority

• The national mood, which remains tense and emotional

And What About Eliud Lagat?

While the three officers remain in custody, attention online has shifted to Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Many Kenyans on social media are calling for his prosecution, alleging that he played a role in the cover-up.

Lagat has stepped aside and recorded a statement with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). His legal team has denied any involvement in Ojwang’s death.

What’s Next?

The court will now decide whether to grant bail or keep the accused in custody as the trial moves forward. Meanwhile, Kenyans are closely watching, hoping that justice — long delayed in many police brutality cases — will finally be done.