The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Wednesday issued a statement on the Nakuru Policeman who shot at people at a Nakuru club, killing two.
The ODPP confirmed having received an enquiry file from the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) as directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter with sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
“On the night of 12th December 2023/13th December 2023, a police constable based in Nakuru Central Police Station shot four people at a club in Nakuru,” the statement read.
Elaborating on the issue, the ODPP noted that an independent investigation was conducted by IPOA before the submission of the inquiry file and that the constable will be charged in court on Wednesday, December 10.
During the court hearing to be held at the Nakuru High Court, the constable will be charged with two counts of murder as directed by the ODPP.
“Having reviewed the inquiry file, the DPP is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to sustain a charge of murder. The DPP has therefore directed that the suspect be charged with two counts of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code today, 10th January 2024 at Nakuru High Court, Nakuru County,” the statement read in part
ODPP committed to pushing the case further and expressed its continued collaboration and coordination with the IPOA to prosecute the case and any similar cases in the future.
“The DPP reiterates his endeavour to continue the coordination, cooperation and collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the foreseeable future in order to enhance accountability, efficiency and expeditiousness in the prosecution of similar cases within the criminal justice system,” ODPP stated.
The law enforcement officer who engaged in a brawl over the alleged payment of a Ksh 16,000 bill shot at the waitress and other revellers at the joint.
One of the revellers passed away on the spot while the other succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Two people survived the incident having sustained injuries.
The prosecution of the case comes at a time when there having been rising cases of police men discharging their firearms with reckless abandon while off duty for situations that have nothing to do with law enforcement.
Additionally, some of the cases have been linked to a trend in the deteriorating mental health of law enforcement officers within the police force.
