6 Officers Linked To The Death Of Embu Brothers Moved To Nairobi For Arraignment

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17- The six police officers linked to the death of two brothers in Kianjokoma in Embu County have been moved to Nairobi ahead of their arraignment.

Police are expected to seek more time under a miscellaneous application to hold them as they complete investigations.

This is based on a finding by the Internal Affairs Unit of police in a file forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji.

Haji ordered the arrest of the six officers to avoid any interference with evidence or intimidation of witnesses

The DPP said this will happen pending investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to avoid any interference with evidence and or intimidation of witnesses.

“For that reasoning keeping in view the urgency of this matter, we expect to receive the results of all investigations into this matter no later than close to close of business today, 16, August,2021. We have their assurances and commitment to do so,” said DPP Haji in a statement.

“Recent reports of the unfortunate deaths of two brothers Benson Njiru Ndwiga and Emmanuel Matura Ndwiga, in Kianjokoma area within Embu county which have attracted considerable public anger have equally drawn the attention of the ODPP. The fact that the deaths ostensibly occurred while the deceased were in the custody of police officers’ calls for a full and fair investigations to establish the circumstances which led to the deaths.”

In a statement, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority said investigations had established a prima facie case against the officers for the crime of murder.

IPOA recommended that the officers be relieved of their duties immediately pending the outcome of an independent review of the findings, which will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The agency added the six officers face a capital offence.

The two brothers were laid to rest on August 13, in an emotional send-off ceremony attended by among others human rights defenders and politicians.