Three police officers have been charged with the murder of a barmaid.
Silas Mutuma Marimi, Reuben Miano and Wycliffe Wangila Sikuku appeared before Justice Maureen Odero charged with killing Caren Chepkoech on July 8, 2014. They were on duty until yesterday when they were arraigned in court.
The trio were charged on the recommendation of the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA).
IPOA had recommended to the Director of Public Prosecutions that the officers be charged for the death of the woman in police custody.
Her death sparked demonstrations by residents who stormed Olenguruone Police Station on July 17, 2014 demanding that action be taken against the officers, prompting IPOA to carry out investigations.
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Investigations revealed that Ms Chepkoech died while in the back of a police vehicle in the custody of Corporal Marimi and constables Miano and Wangila.
The officers took Chepkoech to Olenguruone Sub-District Hospital where they alleged that she sustained head injuries after jumping out of a moving vehicle in an attempt to escape from lawful custody.
IPOA investigations revealed that she died as a result of a serious injury at the back of her head and that there no other marks or injuries on her body as the officers had claimed.
The investigations further revealed that Chepkoech was dead by the time she arrived at the hospital and that her injuries were not consistent with the story given by the officers.
The authority then forwarded the findings to DPP Keriako Tobiko who ordered on January 8 that the officers be charged with the murder of the woman.
The deceased's father Richard Rono had also claimed that a post-mortem report showed that his daughter was hit several times on the head and shoulder with a crude object.
Mr Rono said the pathologist's report contradicted police claims that the barmaid had jumped out of a moving police vehicle while drunk.
Their lawyer Ochang' Ajigo pleaded with the court to release them on bond after the judge ordered that they be remanded until May 4 when their trial will commence.
State Counsel Francisca Nyakira did not object to the bond application but warned that the accused would be arrested if they interfere with the witnesses.
The accused were released on a Sh500,000 bond and a surety of the same amount. They were warned against interfering in way with the witnesses that the State has lined up in the case.
A mental examination report that was filed in court showed that the three were fit to stand trial.
