CCTV shows Constable Kimani as cell sentry on night of Ojwang murder

During the proceedings before the Kibera High Court, the witness identified Police Constable Peter Kimani as the officer serving as the cell sentry on the material night.

CCTV footage played in court showed Kimani at various locations within the station, including outside the cell block and at the station's main entrance.

The witness testified that, under police procedures, the cell sentry is the only officer authorized to grant or deny access to the police cells.

Those permitted entry may include investigating officers, suspects being booked into custody, and individuals delivering food to detainees.

According to the witness, the cell sentry also has the authority to refuse entry to anyone seeking access to the cells and bears responsibility for any incident occurring within the cell block while on duty.

As the CCTV footage was played, the witness pointed out two unidentified men who were seen speaking with PC Kimani at the station's main entrance before proceeding further into the premises.

While the witness positively identified Kimani, she told the court that the identities of the two men had not been established.

The court also viewed footage from different cameras positioned around the station. The witness explained what each camera captured and identified key locations within the police station, including the main entrance, corridors, and areas leading to the cells.

The footage was presented to help reconstruct the movements of officers and other individuals within the station on the night Albert Ojwang was detained.

The CCTV evidence forms part of the prosecution's case as it seeks to reconstruct the sequence of events before and after Ojwang was taken into custody.

Earlier proceedings heard allegations that CCTV footage from the station had been deleted and that the station's Digital Video Recorder (DVR) was later formatted, claims the prosecution alleges were intended to interfere with evidence.

Former Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Police Constable Peter Kimani, Police Constable James Mukhwana, and three civilians are jointly charged with the murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang. All the accused have denied the charges, and the hearing continues before the Kibera High Court.