Suspects linked to assault of 10 officers detained for 14 days

Mumias Senior Resident Magistrates Court has ordered the detention of 27 suspects linked to the assault of ten police officers in Matungu constituency on March 31. 

Senior Resident Magistrate Marcella Amondi allowed an application by the prosecution to hold the 27 in police custody for 14 days to complete investigations.

“The application by the prosecution has been granted, the crimes the 17 respondents are suspected to have committed need sufficient time to investigate as explained by the prosecution. I will therefore allow them up to April 17 to present the suspects in court for plea taking,” said Ms Amondi.  

“The suspects can as well deposit a bond of Sh 20,000 or cash bail of Sh 5,000 if they wish to be out of custody as the investigation continues,” she added.

The prosecution said that the investigating officers were probing several cases related to the assault of ten police officers from Koyonzo Police Station, theft of ammunition and damage to their property. 

The prosecution told court they are yet to arrest all the suspects behind the crime and need more time to pursue them so that they can take plea together with the 27. 

“We are holding them in relation to assaulting the ten officers and breaking into Koyonzo Police Station where they caused extensive damage and torched five motorcycles detained as exhibits,” said the prosecution. 

The assaulted officers are recuperating in different hospitals in Kakamega county and are yet to record statements. 

The prosecution told the court that the suspects attacked the officers and raided the police station over claims of laxity in addressing crime in the area. 

The officers who were admitted to hospital include Chief Inspector Philip Luchevelei who was injured on the head, left ear, right leg and on the back, Inspector Cyrus Kanyi who was injured on right hand and left eye, Inspector Daniel Rono (right leg, chest and the head), Constable Fredrick Rono (left eye) and Constable Robert Ongicho (chest). 

The others are Constables Cliff Abondo who was injured on the right hand, Benson Mwololo (forehead, right hand and hip), Nobert Wagude(left hand and chest), Joel Tum (chest, head and right leg) and Emmanuel Cheptumo (left knee).

The prosecution said they also plan to charge the 27 with causing malicious damage to the houses of police constable Emmanuel Cheptumo, Abraham Kosgei and Daniel Rapemo.