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The DCI declared IPOA offices a crime scene and launched a probe after claims that a seized phone was used to defraud the public while under IPOA custody
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The phone, taken from Nairobi Central OCS Samson Talam during his arrest over blogger Albert Ojwang’s death, allegedly sent money requests to individuals
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Lawyer Danstan Omari accused IPOA of mishandling evidence after messages soliciting up to KSh 80,000 were sent from Talam’s number
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IPOA confirmed requesting an independent investigation but rejected calls to suspend its staff, citing lack of evidence and constitutional procedures
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at .co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and declared its offices a crime scene.
This follows allegations that a mobile phone seized from Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam was used to defraud the public while in IPOA’s custody.
The phone, which belonged to Talam, is at the centre of a new twist in the murder investigation of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
Talam was arrested on June 13 in connection with Ojwang’s custodial death and has since been held at Lang’ata Police Station.
During the arrest, IPOA investigators confiscated Talam’s phone along with its password for forensic analysis.
But what was initially routine evidence handling has now escalated into a criminal inquiry after lawyer Danstan Omari, acting for Talam, said the seized phone was used to send text messages requesting money from several individuals, including high-profile lawyer Cliff Ombeta, a member of the defence team.
The messages allegedly solicited up to KSh 80,000 while falsely claiming Talam was in urgent need of funds.
“The IPOA offices are now part of a crime scene. The DCI knows what must be done,” Omari said, accusing the oversight body of failing to safeguard key evidence.
Was the phone still in IPOA’s custody when texts were sent?
A forensic officer has already testified to witnessing the phone’s seizure, strengthening claims that the device had not left IPOA’s possession when the suspicious activity began.
Following these revelations, IPOA formally wrote to the DCI requesting an independent investigation.
“We wrote a letter to the DCI requesting them to institute investigations,” confirmed IPOA director Victor Awiti.
He added that the DCI has taken over the probe and is already working on compiling a full report.
Two witnesses have since recorded statements with the DCI and investigators are expected to determine whether IPOA officials or any third party accessed the phone.
Omari has called for IPOA officials involved in handling the phone to be suspended to allow for an impartial investigation.
However, Awiti rejected the demand, arguing that there is a clear constitutional process for removing IPOA officials, and no evidence so far justifies such action.
All you need to know about Albert Ojwang’s death
- The teacher and blogger was taken into custody on Saturday, June 7 at 1:30 pm while having lunch with his family in Kakoth, Kasipul Kabondo, Homa Bay county.
- After Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat’s phone number leaked online, Kenyans flooded him with messages, many sharing screenshots of their texts.
- Kassim Mohammed, a well-known journalist and football commentator, wrote an emotional letter to Meshack Opiyo on behalf of his late son.
- Three additional suspects were arrested after partially destroyed CCTV footage was recovered.
How was Talam arrested?
Earlier, Omari confirmed he would represent Talam in connection with the death of the blogger, dismissing rumours that Talam was arrested in Eldoret.
Omari clarified that Talam surrendered at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi on June 13, recorded his statement, and was subsequently transferred to IPOA and then to Lang’ata Police Station.
He emphasised that Talam remains in good health and under proper custody.
Initial reports had indicated that the embattled OCS was arrested in Eldoret city on his way to Uganda, ostensibly to escape arrest.
Omari claimed the misleading reports about his client’s arrest were shared by IPOA to tarnish his image and reputation, and ultimately portray him as a man grappling with a guilty conscience.
He challenged IPOA investigator Abdirahman Jabril to set the record straight about the location of Talam’s arrest. Jabril declined to clarify and insisted on testifying only on the contents of his affidavit.
