Police service still probing the conduct of six officers linked to the death of Kianjokoma brothers
The Internal affairs Unit of the police service is still investigating the conduct of senior officers at the station that led to the death of the two Kianjokoma brothers.
In a statement, the police service is looking to establish any broken link in command leadership that led to the deaths of Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura.
The Director of Public Prosecution directed Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to arrest the six officers who were involved in the death of the two brothers.
The six are Benson Mputhia, Consolata Njeri, Martin Wanyama, Nicholas Sang, Lillian Cherono and James Mwaniki.
Their arrest came following the IAU and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority investigations.
“On August 1, at around 9.30 pm, a team of officers from the Manyatta police station went on night patrols within the Kianjokoma market. During the patrol, they arrested 10 prisoners for contravening curfew orders and selling liquor after hours,” read the statement.
“As they were escorting the prisoners to the station, the deceased allegedly jumped off from the moving patrol motor vehicle and died.”
However, a post-mortem report concluded that the two were killed using a blunt object with multiple injuries on their heads.
The incident sparked riots within the Kianjokoma area where the Kibugu police station vehicle was burnt by rioters.
The six officers were charged with murder despite their plea to the court for the bodies of the two brothers be exhumed.
Through their lawyer Danstan Omari, they said the exhumation of the two brothers is for purposes of conducting an autopsy by independent pathologists to be appointed by them.
“When the postmortem in the cause of death of the two deceased brothers was conducted the petitioner’s chosen pathologists were not present, thus it is prejudicial having a postmortem report by the state” Omari argues.
They also sued IPOA, DPP and the Inspector General from commencing any criminal proceedings relating to the death of the deceased until the inquest is concluded on merit.
The six have also filed an application to be released on bail arguing that there are no compelling reasons to continue keeping them in custody after being charged with the murder of the two brothers.
“There is an indication that all investigations have been concluded which means they cannot interfere with the evidence. As of now, they are presumed innocent and are entitled to be released on bail pending the trial,” said Omari.
Omari said no one has complained of being threatened by any of the accused to warrant their continued detention and that they are willing to abide by any condition the court would give to secure their release.
The authority says it will take action against any commander found responsible for any leadership lapses.
