The murder trial of Albert Ojwang continued at the Kibera High Court yesterday, with the prosecution presenting witnesses who testified on the alleged tampering of CCTV evidence at Nairobi Central Police Station following Ojwang's death in custody.
During the hearing, a CCTV technician told the court that the station's Digital Video Recorder (DVR) had been disconnected, formatted and key surveillance footage deleted, preventing investigators from accessing recordings from the period when Ojwang was in police custody. A protected witness also testified that he had been instructed to format the CCTV system, evidence the prosecution says points to an attempt to conceal crucial information.
The Director of Public Prosecutions told the court it would present evidence aimed at proving that Ojwang was assaulted while in police custody and that efforts were subsequently made to destroy or interfere with digital evidence. The prosecution maintains that medical findings are inconsistent with the initial account of how Ojwang died.
The defence is expected to challenge the prosecution's evidence through cross-examination as the trial continues. The case, which has attracted significant public interest, is expected to feature additional witnesses in the coming days as the High Court hears both the prosecution and defence before reaching a determination.