The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into possible misconduct by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) following a formal complaint lodged by Nairobi Central Police Station OCS, Samson Talaam.
The investigation revolves around a mobile phone that was seized from Talaam as part of ongoing inquiries into the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’. The phone, along with its access credentials, was handed over to IPOA as part of evidence collection.
However, concerns have emerged after it was allegedly discovered that text messages requesting money were sent from the phone while it was still in IPOA’s custody.
“We wrote a letter to the DCI requesting them to institute investigations,” confirmed IPOA’s Victor Awiti. The DCI received the formal request on June 19 and has since begun active investigations.
In court, a forensic officer testified that he witnessed the phone being lawfully confiscated. According to lawyer Danstan Omari, the device was submitted to IPOA as an institution—not to an individual officer—and therefore, the responsibility of its integrity rested with the authority.
“This falls squarely under IPOA’s jurisdiction,” Omari stated. “But since the alleged misuse occurred while the phone was in their possession, the DCI must now handle the criminal aspect of the case, in line with Articles 244 and 245 of the Constitution.”
IPOA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged misuse of the phone.
