- On Tuesday, January 20, police officer Peter Wamiti Mwangi was accused of shooting a detained businessman, George Gathu, in Karatina
- The prosecution made an application before the Chief District Magistrate Mary Gituma seeking to restrain the suspect for 21 days
- After strong arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, the judge issued an order explaining why Mwangi should be detained for 14 days
Nyeri – A police officer linked to shooting and killing a businessman in Karatina town has been detained for more days.
Source: Twitter
The Police Investigation Management Authority (IPOA) identified Constable Peter Wamiti Mwangi as the officer who shot George Gathu Matheri.
Why did the prosecution want Peter Wamiti Mwangi to be detained?
On Tuesday, January 20, Mwangi was charged before Chief District Judge Mary Gituma of Nyeri Courts, where the prosecution requested 21 days to complete the investigation.
Detectives wanted more time to detain the officer because his safety is still at risk due to the public anger caused by the shooting, and that the suspect could distract witnesses.
“Even his own security is not the same. The law is here to maintain public order. Wakazu are angry and may take the law into their own hands,” the charges said.
However, the defense team rejected the plea and instead asked the judge to release the suspect on reasonable bail conditions.
“It is our humble request, that there are other less restrictive measures available, including orders to prevent the suspect from cooperating with witnesses, cooperating with the crime scene, release with reasonable emphasis, or conditions of bail,” the defense questioned.
In his decision, Magistrate Gituma ordered the suspect to be detained at the Nyeri Police Station for 14 days, citing public interest in this matter.
“This court acknowledges the public complaints about this issue and finds that the suspect’s safety is a concern. Although the suspect can be accepted on bail, I do not see that it is appropriate at this stage for the reasons mentioned above, that is to interfere with the witnesses and/or investigation and the security of the suspect in balancing the rights mentioned. I find that it would be appropriate to extend the detention orders. However, the period of detention will be only 14 days,Gituma made a decision.
Speaking outside the courtroom, human rights groups called for transparency and a quick investigation into the matter.
Source: Twitter
“We emphasize that justice must be done and it must be seen to be done. We call for transparency and quick investigation and we encourage all authorities to respect the rights of families and communities,” these groups said.
What did IPOA say about the Karatina incident?
As previously reported, IPOA’s initial investigation showed that Gathu he was shot and killed by a police officer after a violent conflict.
Residents erupted in anger, blocking highways and disrupting transport, while destroying property of unknown value at the Karatina Police Station.
IPOA sent its investigative officers to the area and promised to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident.
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