High Court orders arrest of police officer implicated in Kianjokoma brothers murder
Mwaniki who is charged with five others failed to appear in court, claiming to be admitted at the Thika level 5 hospita
The High Court in Nairobi yesterday issued a warrant of arrest for James Mwaniki, the police officer who charged with the killing of two Kianjokoma brothers in Embu, Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura.
The arrest warrant for the officer who is charged with five others came after the officer failed to appear in court, claiming to be admitted at the Thika level 5 hospital, despite the documents provided in court not indicating the details of his illness.
While directing the arrest after his discharge from the Thika Level Hospital, the judge stated that she expected a full report from the hospital and not a one-line letter.
“I expect a comprehensive medical report and not a one-line letter,” the judge stated as she added that the warrant of arrest will remain in force.
Mwaniki and five others, including Benson Mbuthia, Consolata Kariuki, Nicholas Cheruiyot, Martin Wanyama, and Lilian Cherono, were allegedly accused of murdering two brothers, Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura, in Kianjokoma, Embu County, on the night of August 2021 while enforcing curfew rules.
Mwaniki and five others, including Benson Mbuthia, Consolata Kariuki, Nicholas Cheruiyot, Martin Wanyama, and Lilian Cherono, were allegedly accused of murdering two brothers, Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura, in Kianjokoma, Embu County, on the night of August 2021 while enforcing curfew rules.
Through his advocate Danstan Omari, Mwaniki wanted the court to lift a warrant of arrest issued yesterday after he failed to attend court.
The court directed that James Mwaniki appear before it after being discharged from the hospital.
His failure to attend the session led to the postponement of the case, which was set to be heard consecutively for five days this week.
The witnesses that had been anticipated to testify this week were the government pathologist, two civilians, and a few police officers.
The case is now set for mention early next month.
Justice Waringa Muigai took over the hearing of the case following the death of Justice Daniel Ogembo last year.
Before his passing, Ogembo had heard testimonies from several witnesses, as all officers who were charged in the case were released on bond last year, in August, after pleading not guilty.
