Detectives in Nakuru have moved to court to seek orders to detain a suspected mastermind of the outlawed 'Confirm Gang' group for 30 days to help police conclude investigations.
On Thursday, August 4, 2022, Inspector Japin Nyachae presented Dickson Macharia, the suspect, before Principal Magistrate Isaac Orenge.
He also filed a miscellaneous application to support his prayers. Nyachae told Orenge that Macharia, who was arrested on Wednesday at Kivumbini area, should be detained at Nakuru Police Station pending investigations.
The inspector linked Macharia to the murder of four women in Mawanga area of Nakuru County, which occurred between December 2, 2021, and June 24, this year.
Nyachae claimed that Macharia will be investigated for allegedly engaging himself in a series of organised crimes reported in Nakuru, contrary to the Prevention of organized crime Act. "I am also investigating the accused for the offence of trafficking in narcotic drugs on unknown dates within Nakuru County," submitted Nyachae.
Nyachae informed the court that at the time of his arrest, Macharia was in possession of laptop and mobile phones, which will be forwarded to the cyber-crime unit for data analysis.
"During his arrest, the police recovered a green sack containing 11kgs dry plant material suspected to be cannabis, 49 rolls of dry green plant materials, Sh6,085, a laptop and three mobile phones," stated Nyachae.
He added that through preliminary investigations, they discovered that Macharia has three other similar active cases of drug trafficking, pending before the court.
Detectives consider Macharia a flight risk if released on bail, noting that he allegedly has no permanent residence.
"Given the nature of the offences, investigations into the matter cannot be completed within the legally provided 24 hours; we need a whole month," he said.
Prosecutor Oscar Limisi supported the application. He claimed that if released, Macharia may interfere with potential witnesses.
Limisi added that since the matter was of public interest, the suspect, may be in danger if released and it was prudent for his safety, that he be detained.
Macharia's lawyer, David Mongeri, opposed the application, claiming detaining his client without charging him was unconstitutional. He retaliated that Macharia is a family man, and he is not a flight risk.
"The police have been investigating the suspect, his involvement in the murder cases and illegal activities. They arrested him for a reason and do not need 30 days to investigate," Mongeri said.
He wants Macharia to be released on reasonable bail, ordered to report to the investigating officers when needed and directed not to interfere with witnesses.
Mr Orenge will rule today Friday, August 5, 2022.
