IPOA Cornered Over OCS Talaam's Phone In Their Custody Demanding Kenyans Up To Ksh80K
In response to the claim, an IPOA representative told the court that the phone may have been spoofed before it was handed over for investigation.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Danstan Omari, one of the lawyers representing Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, has raised alarm over the alleged use of the OCS’s phone to extort money from members of the public.
While addressing the court, Omari questioned how this could happen under the watch of the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is currently in possession of the device.
He claimed the phone was used to demand Ksh80,000 from fellow lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who also represents Talaam, as well as an undisclosed amount from Talaam’s family.
Omari is now calling for IPOA commissioners and lead investigators to be summoned to provide answers.
IPOA chairperson Isaack Hassan speaking during the launch of a concerted campaign in Nyeri to familiarise themselves with the authority’s regional operations and stakeholders on January 28, 2025. /IPOA
"That phone number has been sending messages soliciting money. Among the victims is Mr Cliff Ombeta, who has been asked for Ksh80,000, and family members who are here. The phone is engaged in fundraising, claiming that the OCS is in a problem that requires money," Omari stated.
"This is a serious issue, that the commissioners of IPOA, who are in custody of the handset and the password, have allowed that phone and that contact to swindle citizens. We shall be seeking that the custodians of that phone be summoned to this court to explain how the phone in their custody can be used to defraud Kenyans."
In response to the claim, an IPOA representative told the court that the phone may have been spoofed before it was handed over for investigation.
Spoofing is a fraudulent method where a phone number is faked to make it appear as if it's coming from a trusted source, allowing scammers to send messages or make calls that look authentic.
She emphasised that a proper chain of custody had been maintained, and even IPOA’s legal team didn’t have access to the device. She requested the court's permission to trace the phone’s activity and find out what had occurred. As of now, she confirmed, the phone is with lead investigator Abdirahman Jibril.
The court has summoned the IPOA investigator to appear on Friday, June 20, to explain the suspicious activity.
"It is a very sensitive matter that is before us. We should equally take it with the seriousness it deserves, so let's have a mention where the lead investigating officer will come to court only for the purpose of confirming," Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ordered.
Meanwhile, the court has directed that OCS Talaam be held in custody for 15 more days as investigations continue into the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died at Central Police Station on Saturday, June 7.
IPOA had previously confirmed that the interdicted OCS was a person of interest in the case, as the oversight authority revealed that Ojwang died inside a Central Police Station jail cell.
His arrest last week came after Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin stated that Taalam should be deemed the prime suspect in the murder of Ojwang.
Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station Samson Talaam. /EASTLEIGH VOICE
