Key Witness Reveals CCTV Tampering inAlbert Ojwang Murder Trial
In a dramatic turn during the ongoing murder trial of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang, a protected prosecution witness has shed light on alleged efforts to conceal critical evidence at Nairobi's Central Police Station.
The testimony, delivered in the High Court, has intensified focus on how surveillance records from the days surrounding Ojwang's death in custody were deliberately wiped. This revelation comes as the Director of Public Prosecutions builds its case against several suspects, highlighting potential obstacles to justice in one of the country's most closely watched police custody cases.
The witness, identified only as DAN and the original installer of the station's CCTV system, described being summoned shortly after Ojwang's death. He explained to court officials that selective deletion was impossible, leading to the full formatting of the Digital Video Recorder. This action erased footage from June 6 and 7, 2025. According to his account, he carried out the task using records office access without reviewing the content and received cash payment for his services. Additional details emerged about a follow-up request for replacement hard drives, further underscoring the coordinated nature of the alleged cover-up.
Supporting testimonies from other technical experts reinforced claims of tampering, noting that the system showed signs of manual intervention rather than routine failure. The court heard how investigators later faced missing recordings when probing events at the station, where Ojwang, a 31-year-old educator, met his untimely end while detained. Six individuals, including the former Officer Commanding Station Samson Kiprotich Talaam, face murder charges and have pleaded not guilty. The proceedings, presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza, continue to unpack the sequence of events through careful examination of physical exhibits like the formatted DVR.
As the trial unfolds in Kibera, this evidence raises important questions about accountability within law enforcement and the protection of vital records in custody-related incidents. Many Kenyans are watching closely, hoping the process will deliver clarity and reinforce public trust in the justice system. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in pursuing transparency when those in authority are implicated, while also spotlighting the resilience of investigators determined to uncover the truth behind Ojwang's tragic passing.
