Four Flying Squad officers accused of robbery seek for a bond

The officers, from left Kazungu Ngumbao, Nicholas Kirongo, James Rotich and Yagan Kipsang in Nakuru High Court. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

By VINCENT MABATUK and JALLY KIHARA

Nakuru, Kenya:  Four Flying Squad officers in Nakuru suspected of robbing a businesswoman and holding her in custody have rushed to High Court seeking anticipatory bond pending arrest and arraignment in court.

Through their lawyer, Corporal Kazungu Ngumbao (67972), police constables Nicholas Kirongo (63134), Yagan Kipsang’ (77273) and James Rotich (59608), told the court they fear being arraigned in court anytime following a recommendation by their seniors.

 A confidential report forwarded to Directorate of Criminal Investigations recommends that the officers be charged with robbery with violence and unlawful confinement. The officers who have already been interdicted, allegedly robbed Christine Kajuju, a businesswoman of Sh400,000 and had her booked at Nakuru Central Police Station only to have her released a day later without preferring any charges.

Bad record

Steve Kavita, a Nakuru-based lawyer told the court that Nakuru area police boss Bernard Kioko, had sent a signal and even ordered their arrest and detention pending the outcome of the investigations.

 Kavita told Justice Roselyn Wendoh that his clients had served in the police service for more than 20 years without a bad record, and had a right to be heard by the court or through an inquiry.

Interestingly, Norah Kaikai, the woman who Kajuju says made her stop her vehicle to avoid running over moments before the officers pounced on her, has sworn an affidavit to defend the suspects.

Justice Wendoh awarded them each a Sh200,000 bond pending the outcome of the investigations, and directed them to appear before OCPD Nakuru on March 25, for further directions without failure. She also issued orders stopping Nakuru OCPD and DCIO from harassing or deploying them from their current stations until the matter was concluded.  The officers have named the Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko, Inspector of Police David Kimaiyo and Independent Policing Oversight Authority as party to the case.