DPP approves murder charges against 9 cops

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against nine police officers after investigations by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).

In a statement on Thursday, the authority said the conduct of the police officers in three different incidents warranted that murder charges be levelled against them.

The nine are Harrison Mwa (inspector), Corporal John Kimweli Musau and Police Constables Linus Kipngetich Terer, Joseph Mureithi, David Kipkemoi and Magdalene Nachapai.

In the first case, a police inspector, a corporal and four police constables are accused of killing Mary Chepkorir Kiprotich in March 2020 at her home in Laikipia County.

According to IPOA, the officers who were attached to Majiwa General Service Unit (GSU) camp had accompanied the area chief in conducting an operation against the sale of illicit brew when an incident that led to the death of Ms Chepkorir.

The second case involves Mlolongo Police Station Chief Inspector Stephen Lelei and Sergeant Fredrick Leliman. The two are accused of killing Jacob Mbai and Elizabeth Nduku in Mlolongo town, Machakos County.

According to IPOA, the police officers shot the duo and falsified a statement that the incident involved a shootout to repulse robbers.

“Mbai and Nduku were shot dead at Mlolongo Township, Machakos County. They were shot by police officers who, after that, reported that they were responding to a planned robbery,” IPOA said in the statement.

“Upon an independent review of IPOA findings, the ODPP wrote to the Authority and gave the green light to charge the following officers with murder.”

In the third case, constable Bernard Gachau and Sergeant James Mulwa are facing murder and neglect of duty charges, respectively.

The duo is accused of causing the death of Ali Sora Bonaya, who collapsed and died at his home in Marsabit County after suffering injuries allegedly inflicted by police officers.