Albert Ojwang Murder Trial Set to Start in January 2026

The murder trial of Albert Ojwang, the teacher who died while in police custody, is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026. 

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) announced that Senior Assistant Director Jason Makori will lead the prosecution.

The prosecution plans to use 16 terabytes of CCTV footage and testimony from six key witnesses, all under protection due to the sensitive nature of the case. 

This high-profile trial has attracted nationwide attention because it involves police officers accused of serious misconduct.

Among those charged is former Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, along with other police officers. 

Civilians involved in the case include John Ginge Gitau, Gin Ammitou Abwao, and Brian Mwaniki Njue. 

The case will be mentioned again on December 15, 2025, when the prosecution will provide further disclosure of evidence.

Earlier this year, the High Court denied bail to Talaam, Constable James Mukhwana, Peter Kimani, and three other accused. 

Justice Diana Kadveza ruled that releasing them could spark public outrage and potentially threaten public order. 

She explained that while the law allows bail, it is not an absolute right and can be limited to protect public confidence in the justice system.

Albert Ojwang, from Kakoth, Homa Bay County, was arrested on June 7, 2025, at around 2:30 PM. 

The arrest followed a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. Ojwang was first taken to Mawego Police Station by six officers, including Sergeants Sigei and Wesley Kirui and Police Constables Dennis Kinyani, Milton Mwanze, and Boniface Rabudo. 

Later, he was transferred to Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station, where he was held in a cell.

That same night, officers reported that Ojwang was making noise in his cell. Four minutes later, he was found unconscious. 

He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. 

Initially, police claimed Ojwang had died by suicide after hitting his head against a wall. However, an independent autopsy conducted on June 10 revealed that Ojwang’s death was not self-inflicted. 

The post-mortem showed blunt-force trauma to the head, neck compression, and other injuries across his body.

The case has caused public outrage across Kenya, as it involves the death of a citizen while in police custody. 

Many Kenyans have been following the developments closely, demanding justice and accountability from law enforcement officers.

With the trial set for January, the prosecution is expected to present strong evidence, including CCTV footage and witness testimonies, to ensure that justice is served.