Central OCS Samson Taalam detained for 15 days as probe into Omondi’s murder continues
The court noted that, with 29 years of service, he had established networks across the country and could potentially invoke the ‘blue code of silence’ to cover up
Interdicted Nairobi Central Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Taalam shall remain in custody for the next 15 days to allow completion of investigations into the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang at the station two weeks ago.
Milimani Law Courts Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi today ruled that the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to warrant the denial of bail.
In their request to continue holding Taalam, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) stated that Taalam, who holds the rank of Chief Inspector and commands the largest police station in Kenya, has a wide network and could potentially interfere with investigations.
They applied for 21 days to complete investigations, but the court granted them 15 days.
The court noted that, with 29 years of service, he had established networks across the country and could potentially invoke the ‘blue code of silence’ to cover up the murder.
“The blue code is a common phenomenon within police ranks – even in jurisdictions like the United States. His senior position and long-standing service in the force gave him access to a network capable of shielding him from accountability and influencing the investigation”, Ekhubi said.
He noted that the court will require specific proof of threats or attempts to interfere with witnesses, the prosecution had demonstrated such interference, including allegations that the crime scene and CCTV footage had been tampered with.
This is even as the magistrate summoned IPOA investigator Abdirahman Jibril to appear on Friday to explain the same.
Further, in today’s hearing, the defence informed the court that the OCS’s phone number, which is currently in the custody of investigators, was used to send messages to certain individuals and family members, soliciting money and claiming that the OCS was in a deep crisis and urgently needed financial assistance.
Tallam was first arraigned on Monday after his arrest over the weekend in the ongoing investigations on the murder of the blogger.
He is among the officers who were first to be interdicted.
