Man to stand trial for allegedly killing police dog

By Wahome Thuku

A Nairobi motorist is to stand trial for allegedly killing a police dog through careless driving.

The accident, which occurred along Likoni Rd in Nairobi is being treated by the traffic police as almost involving human life.

Mr Peter Njore was arraigned before Makadara Resident Magistrate John ole Tamar charged with driving his car without due care and attention. The offence carries a maximum fine of Sh5,000 for first offenders, but repeat offenders can be jailed for three months. He faced a second count of driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker.

The accident occurred at around 8pm on Monday. The dog was crushed while being escorted across the road by two officers, Paul Tanui and Peter Kamau.

Mr Njore was said to have been driving a pick up along the road when the accident occurred.

Sh20,000 cash bail

Several police officers from Makongeni Police Station went to the scene immediately after the accident, took pictures and gathered more evidence. The carcass was then taken away for further forensic analysis.

Njore, who has more than 20 years driving experience denied the charge of killing the dog and was released on Sh20,000 cash bail. The case will be heard on January 26. He, however, admitted the second count and was fined Sh2,000 or three months in jail.

Police dogs are highly regarded within the police force the world over. In some countries, they are awarded titles and badges and are buried with full police honour.

According to the Kenya Police website, the first police dog in Kenya, Poldog Jock, served between 1948 and 1951. The dog unit, now based in Lang’ata was established in October 1948, in Nanyuki as a section of the CID with five dogs and six handlers.

The dogs are specially trained and are used to detect drugs, firearms and explosives.