Police officer contradicts evidence in Shaban petition

By WILLIS OKETCH

Kenya: A detective in Taveta District has denied claims that a former Cabinet minister recorded a statement at Taveta Police Station over misuse of CDF vehicle during the March 4 General Election.

Deputy Criminal Investigation Officer Patrick Kitonyi told the electoral court in Mombasa that although a report of alleged misuse of the vehicle had been reported, there was no name mentioned in the Occurrence Book.

The officer was giving evidence in a case in which Taveta parliamentary loser Basil Criticos has filed a petition seeking to nullify the election of Naomi Shaban as area MP.

Dr Shaban is represented by lawyer Yusuf Abubakar while Tengo Madara is representing Criticos.

Kitonyi told Justice Fred Ochieng in Mombasa that it was true he got information about the alleged misuse of the CDF vehicle, but since he had not completed investigations, he could not pinpoint who were the culprits in the case.

opened inquiry

“After getting the report, I opened an inquiry into the matter and later forwarded the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction,” said Kitonyi.

Kitonyi said he was still waiting for direction and that was why he could not apportion blame to anybody.

“I am still waiting for direction from the office of the DPP and that is why I cannot comment on anything concerning my investigation,” said Kitonyi.