Kabogo records statement over girl's death

By Cyrus Ombati

Juja MP William Kabogo recorded a statement with police following unexplained death of a University of Nairobi student after she left a private party he attended.

It is alleged the MP, who was questioned by police in Parklands Police Station, had an altercation with Mercy Chepkosgei Keino in the party in Westlands area and decided to leave. It is also alleged she left escorted by his bodyguards — who have also been questioned by police. Keino’s body was later recovered from Waiyaki Way, and reportedly bore injuries. She has since been buried in Belgut where the local MP, Mr Charles Keter, and her parents are demanding investigation because they believe she did not die from a road accident.

On Sunday, it also emerged the police were also looking for owner of Mercedes Benz car witnesses claim to have seen drop the body along Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, around the time Keino went missing.

According to Gigiri divisional police boss Mr Joseck Nasio, Kabogo was summoned strictly as a witness who was in the same party Keino attended, as investigation progresses. He confirmed Kabogo conceded he was in the party at an apartment along Church Road.

Nairobi Area Provincial Criminal Investigations Officer Mr Peter Muinde also confirmed to The Standard Kabogo recorded a statement with his officers.

Muinde explained police need more time to investigate the case: "We will talk to all who have been mentioned to ensure the truth comes out," said Muinde.

Efforts to get comment from Kabogo failed, as he did not pick his usual mobile line that went unanswered. He also did not return phone messages sent to him both by KTN and The Standard team.

Nasio emphasised Kabogo and others who recorded statements are witnesses for now as investigation continues. He said Kabogo recorded his statement on Sunday at 12.45pm. The party was at a private apartment in Westlands but inside a restaurant used by residents.

Nasio also revealed police want to verify claims by some witnesses who saw Keino running towards Waiyaki Way followed by the MP’s guards but only learnt of her death the following day.

"Officers are working on the issue and we hope to unearth the truth. We will take action according to evidence that will be found," he explained.

Kabogo went to the station shortly after Keter and the parents of the Masters Degree student had been there.