Police officers who dragged woman with boda boda detained for nine days

FROM LEFT: Joan Chepkoech (a civilian), police constables Tom Kikao and Henry Muregi and Inspector of Police David Kiprotich at Nakuru Law Courts. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The three policemen and a civilian linked to torture of a woman have been detained for nine more days.

A Nakuru principal Magistrate Faith Munyi yesterday allowed detention of the four and a deputy Officer Commanding Olenguruone Police Station following an application by the investigating officer.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Daniel Ngetich filed a miscellaneous application seeking to detain Inspector of Police David Kiprotich, Police constables Henry Muregi and Tom Kikao for more days pending investigations. The three are being held alongside a civilian Joan Chepkoech.

The investigating officer sought 14 more days to conclude investigations. The four are being held in connection with the torture of Mercy Cherono on a motorbike. They were arrested after a video of the woman, a burglary suspect went viral.

In the video, Cherono is seen being dragged while some people flog her resulting in a broken leg and soft tissue injuries.

In his application, Ngetich said they are yet to record statements and the three officers might interfere with witnesses. Further, the officer noted that the locals are hostile and releasing the suspects might put their lives in danger.

Investigations

“The suspects are officers in authority. We believe they might interfere with witnesses, we also want to keep them safe as we have information that there might be a demonstration in the area,” said Ngetich.

But the four opposed the detention through their lawyers. Lawyer Moenga Moraa representing Kiprotich, Kikao and Chepkoech informed the court that there is no evidence that their lives are in danger. 

“There is no evidence their lives are in danger, if indeed that was the case, something would have happened upon release. Their families live in Olenguruone and are safe, nothing has happened and there are no demonstrations by the public against them,” said the lawyer.

The lawyer further added that the video had already been forwarded to forensic experts and the suspects have no capacity to interfere with investigations.

Additionally, Kiprotich informed the court that he had a medical condition and detention would worsen it.

Chepkoech said she had left behind twins aged two months and her absence is not good for their well being.

But the court said there was possibility that the suspects will interfere with investigations.

“There is likelihood of them interfering with the case. I consider allowing the investigating officer nine days not 14 days,” ruled the court.

The case will be mentioned on June 22, this year.