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On Monday, June 16, 2025, the court ruled that Officer Samson Talam will be remanded at Lang’ata Police Station pending a decision on whether the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) will be granted 21 days to finalize their investigations.
The IPOA stated in their application that the additional time was necessary to record critical evidence. They also raised concerns about the security of the accused due to public anger.
The respondent lawyers led by Danstan Omari, opposed the application, arguing that the accused should be granted cash bail, as the IPOA failed to provide compelling reasons for their request.
The respondent’s lawyers highlighted that the accused has cooperated with the investigation and voluntarily presented himself at the DCI headquarters. They urged the judge to consider that he is presumed innocent, regardless of public sentiment, and emphasized that he is not a flight risk, as he has a permanent home in Eldoret.
They requested that OCS Talam be released on a cash bail of seven thousand shillings, a sentiment echoed by Cliff Ombeta, who argued for a free bond.
The prosecution contended that Talam might interfere with other witnesses; however, they did not provide names, suggesting that he does not know the witnesses and therefore cannot interfere with them.
Having served for 29 years, Talam is a father and wishes to extend condolences to the family affected. As a husband with a home in Eldoret, he is willing to comply with the court’s conditions, pledging not to enter Nairobi or the Central Police Station if granted bail. He expresses no fear regarding the investigation and maintains his innocence before the court and the public.
The state’s team, led by Lawyer Owiti, stated that if they complete their investigations before the 21 days, they will return to court with confirmation from Mr. Abdirahaman Jibril, asserting the respondent’s innocence.
The ruling will be delivered on June 18, 2025, at 2 PM, during which Officer Talam will remain at Lang’ata Police Station.
