Editor's Review

  • The DPP said that the officers should be arrested and arraigned in Nairobi, pending receipt of a comprehensive investigation report by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji has ordered for the immediate arrest of the six police officers involved in the murder of Kianjokoma brothers, Emmanuel Mutura and Benson Njiru.

In a statement on Monday, Haji said he had received a preliminary report conducted by the National Police Service (NPS), Internal Affairs unit, from the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.

The DPP said that the officers should be arrested and arraigned in Nairobi, pending receipt of a comprehensive investigation report by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).

"Based on the Preliminary Investigation Report forwarded by the Inspector General (IG), I am shortly directing the IG to immediately arrest and arraign in court, in Nairobi, all officers involved pending investigations by IPOA to avoid any interference with evidence and or intimidation of witnesses," said Haji.

The DPP noted that he expects to receive the results of all investigations by the end of the day (Monday).

His directive comes hours after IPOA recommended murder charges against six police officers involved in the death of two Embu brothers, Emmanuel Mutura and Benson Njiru.

IPOA further recommended that the officers surrender any government property in their possession, including firearms within the shortest time possible.

"That the officers be relieved of their duties immediately pending the outcome of an independent review of the findings that will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. As it stands now, the six officers face a capital offence – murder. This recommendation is not likely to take a different direction," said IPOA chairperson Anne Makori.

[Kianjokoma brothers, Emmanuel Mutura and Benson Njiru.]

Following investigations by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and IPOA, IG Mutyambai announced that all officers from the affected station had been suspended to create room for investigation.

"Good morning, first, my sincere condolences to the Kianjokama family. IPOA has concluded investigations on the matter and forwarded the file to the DPP for action. Meanwhile, all the officers have been suspended with immediate effect to pave way for prosecution," he said.

Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura died over two weeks ago after they were allegedly arrested by police.