The Kiambu Law Courts are set to deliver a pivotal ruling on Tuesday in a case where the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is seeking a 21-day detention for Police Constable Eric Gitonga Nyaga over the fatal shooting of two men along the Thika–Garissa highway.
The matter, before Deputy Registrar Jacqueline Karani in Miscellaneous Criminal Application No. 4.1 of 2025, arises from the deaths of Kennedy Ojuma (38) and Stephen Mwendwa Maweu (39) on September 7, 2025. According to IPOA’s affidavit filed by Assistant Director of Forensics Paul Njihia, Nyaga, allegedly intoxicated, was involved in a road accident in Thika while driving a black Audi (registration KDC 053K). When traffic officers attempted to disarm him, he reportedly opened fire, killing the two men.
The incident sparked public outrage, with residents vandalizing and torching the officer’s vehicle. His DUMA pistol (serial D09220515) and ammunition were recovered and kept as exhibits at Thika Police Station.
IPOA now requests the court allow investigators more time to conduct post-mortem examinations, revisit the scene, analyse forensic evidence, and record further witness statements. “The evidence gathered so far shows the respondent may have used excessive and unjustifiable force to end the lives of the two deceased. There is need to complete forensic examinations and interview key witnesses,” Njihia stated.
Defense lawyer Philip Langat opposed the application, arguing the officer could cooperate with investigations while out on bail. He also requested the release of the officer’s mobile phone and a shirt seized during his arrest and proposed that, if detained, Nyaga be held at Gigiri Police Station rather than Kiambu.
Deputy Registrar Karani is expected to issue her ruling tomorrow, a decision that could set the stage for possible criminal charges against Nyaga.
 is seeking a 21-day detention for Police Constable Eric Gitonga Nyaga over the fatal shooting of two men along the Thika–Garissa highway.){kind=link}