High Court Holds 15 Cops Over Mysterious Disappearance of Two Foreigners
The Kiambu High Court has ordered the detention of 15 police officers accused of being involved in the 2022 disappearance of two Indian nationals and their Kenyan taxi driver. They will remain in custody as they await a decision on their bail application.
During their court appearance on Thursday, February 20, the officers, who are linked to various security agencies—including the Special Service Unit (SSU), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)—pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder.
The case was heard before Judge Abigael Mshila, who directed the prosecution to submit their objections to bail. Additionally, she instructed the probation officer to prepare a pre-bail report, which should include input from the victims’ families in both Kenya and India.
Identities of the Accused Officers
Court records reviewed by TUKO.co.ke list the accused officers as Peter Muthee, James Kibosek, Joseph Kamau, David Chepcheng, Joseph Mwenda, John Mwangi, Hilary Limo, Stephen Luseno, Simon Muhuga, Paul Njogu, Boniface Otieno, Elkana Njeru, Fredrick Thuku, John Wanjiku Macharia, and Michael Kiplangat.
They are facing charges related to the murder of Nicodemus Mwania Mwange (Kenyan taxi driver), Mohammed Zaid Sami Kidwai, and Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan. The alleged killings took place between the night of July 22 and the early hours of July 23, 2022, near Ole Sereni Hotel along Mombasa Road, Nairobi. Authorities claim that additional suspects are involved but have not yet been brought to court.
Bail Application Debate
The state strongly opposed granting bail to the accused officers, arguing that the situation has changed since their previous bail terms were set at Kahawa Law Courts in a related case. The prosecution requested a seven-day period to file a formal objection to bail.
On the other hand, defense lawyer Danstan Omari, representing the first accused, challenged this position. He insisted that the circumstances remain the same, with no new witnesses being introduced. Omari further claimed that the accused officers were victims of political persecution and that the trial was being handled unfairly.
Supporting this argument, lawyer Kirathe Wandungi urged the court to release the suspects on bail. He emphasized that they have already spent over a year and a half in custody and suggested that the prosecution could revisit the bail issue at a later stage.
Next Court Hearing
The court scheduled March 20 as the next mention date, during which a ruling on the bail and bond applications is expected.
Reports indicate that the two Indian nationals were abducted shortly after arriving in Kenya in the lead-up to the 2022 General Election.
In Other News: Kindiki Speaks Out After Skipping Ruto’s New Year Party
High Court Holds 15 Cops Over Mysterious Disappearance of Two Foreigners
