Six men accused of the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang have pleaded not guilty before the Kibera Law Court.

Among the accused are former Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Police Constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, John Gitau, Gin Ammitou alias Gilbeys, and Brian Mwaniki.

The six appeared in court on Tuesday, where they each denied the charge of murder.

State Counsel Victor Owiti, representing the prosecution, urged the court to deny bail to the suspects, citing what he described as compelling reasons.

He told Judge Diana Kavedza that the offence carries the death penalty, and the seriousness of the charge made it necessary to restrict their release.

“The seriousness of the charge and the potential risk of interference with witnesses and evidence are valid grounds to deny bail,” he said.

The prosecution’s affidavit pointed to the possibility of witness tampering, especially by the first three accused, who are police officers and had been stationed at the same police post where Ojwang was held before his death.

Owiti further revealed that CCTV footage from the office of the OCS had been tampered with, raising additional questions about efforts to conceal evidence.

He also expressed concern that the suspects could flee the country due to the gravity of the charge they face. “There is a genuine risk that the accused may abscond if released,” he said.

The Law Society of Kenya, represented by its president Faith Odhiambo, joined the case as an interested party and opposed the bail application.

She cited Article 49 of the Constitution, saying that bail can be denied when compelling reasons are present. “

There is the likelihood of absconding, interference with witnesses, and the need to ensure the safety of the accused,” she told the court.

Julius Juma, the lawyer for the victim’s family, supported the prosecution’s position.

He argued that the right to liberty is not absolute and can be limited within the law. “The framers of the Constitution made it clear that the right to bail can be restricted under the right circumstances,” said Juma.

On the defence side, lawyer Danstan Omari applied for bail for the first accused, asking the court to grant reasonable terms.

Other defence lawyers also made similar applications on behalf of their clients, requesting that the court allow them to await trial outside custody.

The case has sparked national concern following the death of 31-year-old Ojwang while in police custody on June 8, 2025.

His arrest was based on a complaint filed by Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside to allow investigations.

Lagat has denied any involvement in the matter.

Initial reports by the police claimed Ojwang died from self-inflicted injuries.

However, this narrative shifted after an autopsy revealed injuries consistent with physical assault, raising doubts over the official version of events and intensifying public demands for justice.