Spring Valley cop charged with assault, malicious damage to property

The Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service has arrested a police officer over assault and malicious damage to property.

Police Constable Evans Kemboi stationed at Spring Valley Police Station will face the criminal charges approved by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) following a probe by the Unit last year.

The officer is alleged to have committed the offence on the night of 25th September 2020, along Jogoo road in Eastlands.

The complainant, Mr Nickson Gitau reported to the Unit that while in the company of his friends heading home, was confronted by the officer along Jogoo Road in the middle of a traffic jam for blocking his way.

On sensing danger, Gitau ran and sought refuge at Jogoo Police Station but undeterred the officer went after him and clobbered him in the presence of senior officers who ignored his plea for help.

His vehicle was damaged during the fracas.

“The Unit investigated the matter after Gitau filed a complaint at KCB Towers last year around June 2021. Pursuant to its mandate as stipulated under NPS Act and other relevant laws, the Unit undertook the matter and on completion submitted findings and recommendations to Inspector General that the officer be criminally held liable for assaulting a member of Public” the Internal Affairs Unit said.

It later forwarded the relevant investigation file to ODPP for perusal and guidance.

The ODPP has further directed that two Senior Officers who were present and failed to act to prevent a crime and rescue Mr Gitau be dealt with by the Inspector General administratively for being negligent in their performance of duties.

Kemboi is awaiting arraignment in court Friday to answer to the charges.