Two officers charged with teen’s murder

Police officers Simeon Oyoo Ayodo (left) and Amos Kiptoo Kipsang before Malindi Resident Judge Weldon Korir on February 12, 2019. [Nehemiah Okwembah/ Standard]

Two policemen accused of shooting dead a 17-year-old boy last year yesterday appeared in court.

Simeon Oyoo Ayodo and Amos Kiptoo Kipsang did not, however, plead to the charges. This after Malindi Resident judge Weldon Korir ordered that they first undergo psychiatric evaluation to determine if they are fit to stand trial.

The two, who are attached to Mariakani Police Station, allegedly committed the offence on June, 26 2018 in Tsangatsini in Kaloleni sub-county.

The killing of Kazungu Katana sparked angry protests from villagers.

Police initially denied responsibility before insisting that he was shot by mistake when officers received reports that some unknown people had stolen a truck.

Opened fire

Rights groups accused the police of opening fire on a crowd of youth trying to push a truck laden with ballast that was stuck in mud.

This prompted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch investigations that indicted the two officers

Yesterday, the two suspects presented themselves before Justice Korir for a mention after a warrant of arrest was issued against them on January 28, ordering them to surrender to the State to face murder charges.

It is alleged that they fatally shot Katana Kazungu while he was helping push a vehicle that was stuck in mud following heavy rains.

Prosecution counsel, Babra Zombo, urged court to order the two suspects detained at Malindi Police Station.

“This will enable the investigation officer to escort them to Malindi Sub-county Hospital for the mental assessment. A report will be present to court in the next two days,” she said.

Arrest warrant

But the lawyer representing the accused, Matete Katoto, opposed the application saying the accused had cooperated throughout the investigation.

“The accused will cooperate and appear in court for trial. They presented themselves after receiving reports of an arrest warrant through the Press,” said Katoto.

Justice Korir ordered that the two be remanded until tomorrow when they will be required to take plea.