The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
By Vincent Mabatuk
At the height of post-election violence in January 2008, some 17 youths were arrested at Muserechi trading centre following the murder of a Catholic father.The killing of Father Michael Kamau Ithondeka led to a major security operation at the trading centre that saw even some of the youth flee their homes.
Muserechi residents
A memorial plaque of the late Catholic priest Michael Kamau. Photos: Boniface Thuku/Standard
The 17 suspects were later arraigned in court and charged with the murder of the priest.The case against them was later dropped, as they waited to plead to the charges facing them.Lawyer Gordon Ogolla who represented the suspects later said the State might have opted to drop the charges due to insufficient evidence.Youths erected a roadblock
The suspects were John Chebet, John Namauel, Daniel Chebet, Chemjor Koko, Victor Kitilit, Benjamin Kimutai, Francis Samita, Joseph Masita, Joseph Ngetich, Nahashon Yatich, Paul Mulwa, Samoei Koskei, Samuel Kibet Kangogo and Isaac Yator Kipruto.Others were Mark Kipchirchir, Benard Rono, and Alex Tanui Kipchumba.Father Kamau, a lecturer at St Mathews Seminary in Kapsabet, was killed at Muserechi in January 2008 by youth who had erected a roadblock along the Nakuru-Eldama Ravine road during post-election violence.The priest, who was accompanied by two other passengers, was travelling from western Kenya to Nairobi when he was attacked.After the killing, which shocked Christians, countrywide police mounted a swoop in the area and arrested the youth.A section of MPs from the Rift Valley went public calling for their release.
The police were accused for harassing local youth through arbitrarily arrests.
join