The murder case against Nairobi Central Police Station’s former OCS, Samson Taalam, has been transferred to the Kibera Law Courts for pre-trial proceedings, amid rising public pressure over the killing of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.

Ojwang was found dead in police custody on June 8, 2025, with investigations revealing he had suffered severe head injuries and neck compression, suggesting foul play.

Taalam, now the key suspect in the case, has been charged alongside other officers with murder.

At the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that the investigation report is still incomplete. “Although the report is not yet ready, we intend to file an application for the matter to be transferred to the trial court,” said the prosecution.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations also requested to retain a mobile phone believed to contain critical evidence for another 14 days.

However, the defence team objected to the planned transfer to Kibera Law Courts, stating that the case at Milimani is separate from the one already pending before the High Court. “We shall be vehemently opposing the said application, as this matter is totally different from what is before the High Court,” the defence said.

Senior Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi acknowledged both parties’ submissions and scheduled July 22, 2025, as the next mention date when directions on the matter will be issued.

The DPP further told the court that Taalam allegedly tried to sabotage investigations by deleting CCTV footage and interfering with witnesses.

He will remain in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station as the case proceeds.

The killing of Ojwang has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability over custodial deaths and police brutality in Kenya.