Driver to face murder charges for running over traffic policewoman

A Mombasa driver who ran over and injured a female traffic police officer while on duty last Friday was charged with attempted murder before a Mombasa court. 

Martin Mwanza Kimeu fled the scene after the incident and went into hiding for days before resurfacing after police circulated his image grabbed from closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and appealed for information on his whereabouts.

The accused surrendered at Makupa Police Station Thursday afternoon, and was arraigned before Resident Magistrate Rita Amwayi with the single count contrary to section 22(a) of the Penal Code.

He allegedly attempted to cause the death of Police Constable Phiona Mutua Ndanu by dragging her on the tarmac road while driving motor vehicle Reg No. KCT 410, a Toyota Probox.

Phiona was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment at a Mombasa hospital.

The offence was allegedly committed on February 21, 2022, at Coast General Teaching and Referral area in Mvita sub-county.

The suspect, who was represented by lawyer Mutuku, pleaded not guilty to the charge and applied to be released on a reasonable bond with an option of cash bail.

Mutuku told the magistrate that his client was the sole breadwinner for his family and should be presumed innocent until the case was heard and determined.

The lawyer further told the court that the accused’s wife is ailing and underwent an operation on that particular day of the incident.

“Your honour, I pray that you exercise your discretion from the Constitution and treat him with fair terms. The fact is that he presented himself to the police therefore the case should be treated as a traffic offence and not attempted murder,” added lawyer Mutuku.

On her ruling, Magistrate Amwayi released the accused on Ksh 500,000 surety bond and directed parties to prepare for a pre-trial conference scheduled for March 14.