A court has allowed former Samson Kiprotich Talaam, the ex-Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Nairobi Central Police Station, to seek specialised medical treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital as he faces a murder charge linked to the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
Talaam is among six suspects accused in the fatal assault of Ojwang, who died while in police custody in June 2025. Prosecutors allege that the attack took place between June 7 and June 8, 2025, with the accused persons including both police officers and civilians.
During court proceedings on Tuesday morning, Talaam’s lawyer Stanley Kangahi told the court that his client had developed medical complications linked to a previous kidney condition.
According to the defence, Talaam has been unwell for several weeks and requires urgent evaluation by specialists at the national referral hospital.
The prosecution did not oppose the application.
The court subsequently granted the request and ordered that Talaam be escorted to Kenyatta National Hospital for medical examination and treatment. The judge also directed that a detailed medical report be filed in court after the assessment.
The matter will return to court on March 17 for mention. During the session, the court is also expected to confirm whether CCTV footage believed to be connected to the case has been obtained.
Ojwang, who lived between 1994 and 2025, was a teacher, blogger and outspoken social media activist. His death in custody sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.
He had been arrested on June 6, 2025, at his home in Homa Bay following a defamation complaint linked to a post on X (formerly Twitter). The complaint was reportedly filed by Eliud Lagat, Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General of Police.
While speculation has circulated online suggesting the arrest and subsequent events may have been linked to DIG Lagat, no evidence has been presented in court to prove such claims.
Talaam and the other accused persons have denied the charges and the case remains ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence.
