A Nakuru court has ordered the detention of six suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of a police officer during a patrol in Freehold, Nakuru town. The authorities will hold them for 30 days as they intensify investigations into the recent surge in violent crime.
On Tuesday, police presented the suspects, John Njau Ndungu, Chacha Peter Marwa, William Nyahili Rioba, Emmanuel Muita Muita, Nyahili Nyamuhaga Magige, and Catherine Nkatha Zakayo, before Principal Magistrate Vincent Adet. Although prosecutors did not formally charge them, the court approved a police request to detain them for further investigation. Detectives plan to conduct ballistic tests, record witness statements, arrange identification parades, and complete mental assessments.
The suspects ambushed and attacked a patrol team, killing one officer and injuring two others on Sunday night. During the arrests, investigators recovered an AK-47 rifle, believed to be the murder weapon. Additionally, officers seized four mobile phones, several SIM cards, bus tickets, and a motorcycle.
On Monday, police apprehended a sixth suspect, Elijah Kimani Kinyanjui, in Mzee wa Nyama. Officers found him in possession of stolen items linked to a recent armed robbery. Authorities expect to charge Kinyanjui alongside the other five suspects.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that the gang had orchestrated several violent crimes across Nakuru County. For instance, the same group allegedly carried out a brutal robbery in Soilo, where they killed a 24-year-old shopkeeper using machetes and daggers.
DCI’s Operation Action Team, working with Nakuru police, launched a crackdown on armed gangs terrorizing residents. As the operation continues, authorities remain committed to restoring security in the region.
Police are determined to deliver justice for the victims and bring peace back to Nakuru. Over the next few weeks, investigators will piece together evidence to establish the suspects’ roles in the officer’s tragic murder.
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