IPOA Under Fire: OCS Talaam’s Seized Phone Allegedly Used in Public Scam
"Ombeta was asked for Ksh 80,000 by an unidentified caller using Taalam's phone.The phone is being used for fundraising with claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial help,” Omari said.
A Nairobi court has granted Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin 14 days to complete an investigation into allegations that a mobile phone belonging to OCS Samson Talaam is being used to solicit funds from members of the public.
During the mention of the matter before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi, the court was informed that the DCI needs more time to finalise the investigation before tabling a comprehensive report in the court.
On June 20, 2025 Senior Assistant Director of Investigations at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Abdirahman Jibril informed the court that they have already written to the DCI requesting him to institute investigation into allegation that a mobile phone belonging to OCS Samson Talaam is being used to solicit funds from members of public.
Earlier, the magistrate had issued a summons for Jiril to appear in court over allegations of misconduct relating to the handling of a mobile phone belonging to OCS Talaam, who has since been charged with the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
The magistrate had issued the order during a heated session following concerns raised by defence lawyers Danstan Omari, Stanley Kang’ahi, and Cliff Ombeta.
The lawyers alleged that the phone belonging to Talaam, currently in IPOA custody, has been misused to solicit money from members of the public.
The defence told the magistrate that they have credible evidence that individuals, including lawyer Ombeta, have received messages from Talaam’s number requesting money.
“Ombeta was asked for Ksh 80,000 by an unidentified caller using Taalam’s phone.The phone is being used for fundraising with claims that the OCS is in trouble and needs financial help,” Omari said.
He added that the alleged fraudulent messages appear to be part of a wider scheme, noting that family members of the OCS have also reported receiving distressing messages from the same number, which is supposed to be securely stored by IPOA investigators.
“This is a serious issue. IPOA commissioners are the custodians of that phone and the corresponding passwords. If that phone is being used to swindle Kenyans while under IPOA’s watch, then someone must be held accountable. We are asking this court to summon the commissioners themselves,” Omari urged.
The Magistrate responded by ordering. Jibril appears in person to explain the phone’s custody and the alleged breach.
He emphasized the seriousness of the claims, citing the need for transparency and accountability from oversight bodies.
“These are grave allegations. The integrity of constitutional offices must not be put into question. Jibril must appear before this court to explain how a phone in IPOA’s custody could be used in such a manner,” the magistrate ruled.
The defence lawyers further pointed out that they had previously not opposed IPOA’s request to take custody of the phone, acknowledging the authority’s constitutional mandate.
“It was a spirited fight by IPOA to get access to that phone. We did not object because we respect IPOA’s role. But if that trust has been abused, then the leadership must explain,” Omari argued.
The defence has indicated it will press further for the appearance of senior IPOA officials in court, should the explanation from Jibril prove unsatisfactory.
