Top cop in Joshua Waiganjo case detained for appearing in court drunk

Chief Inspector Biot Wafula when he appeared before a Nakuru court as a witness in the case against police impostor Joshua Waiganjo. [Suleiman Mbatiah, Standard]

A Nakuru court Wednesday detained a senior police officer for appearing in court while drunk.

Chief Inspector Biot Wafula, a former Officer Commanding Station at Keringero Police Station, was to testify in a case against police impostor Joshua Waiganjo, former Rift valley Provincial Police Officer John M’mbijiwe and former Anti-Stock Theft Unit Commandant Remi Ngugi.

When Mr Wafula took the stand at around 11.30am, the prosecution noticed his inebriated state from his incoherent answers, forcing the court to adjourn.

Wafula, when questioned by the court, claimed to have travelled overnight from northern Kenya where he is currently based and admitted to being intoxicated.

Prosecutor Sandra Kosgei urged Principal Magistrate Joe Omindo to take action against Wafula for his misconduct, saying he had been notified of the case well in advance and was, therefore, aware of what was expected of him.

“Only one witness confirmed attendance, however, he is not in the right state of mind to testify. He is a crucial witness and has been aware of this date and decided to come to court drunk. The court should reprimand him,” said Ms Kosgei. Other witnesses, including former Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere, did not turn up for the hearing.

Magistrate Omindo ordered the court orderlies to move Wafula to the court cells after it became clear the case could not proceed.