Prosecutors at the Baricho Law Court on Thursday filed murder charges against four police officers accused of selling illicit drinks that resulted in the deaths of 17 people to a bar owner in Kirinyaga.
While preferring the charges, the prosecution also called for a mental assessment test to be done on the suspects including the bar owner who has also been accused of murder.
The court was also urged to grant the suspects adequate time to secure legal representation before proceeding with the case.
Among those who appeared before the court included the former Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kiamaciri Police Station.
Previously, the officers were to be charged with stealing exhibits and conspiracy to commit felony but that has been escalated to include murder charges.
The 4 officers are accused of allegedly selling the ethanol to the owner of California Bar in Kangai, Kirinyaga County for Ksh20,000.
They are alleged to have broken into a store at Kiamaciri police station in Mwea West Sub-county and stole the exhibit which they then sold to a local trader.
In mid-February, several people died while others were left blind after they consumed expired brew at Kangai Village in Kirinyaga County.
The incident triggered an immediate response from the county and national governments with an order issued demanding immediate closure of all bars.
The Interior Ministry led by Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki further recalled Kirinyaga County Commissioner Tobiko Naiyoma and all senior security officers from the region to pave the way for investigations.
Speaking at the burial of the 17 people who died from consuming the brew, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faulted the courts for allegedly releasing the bar owner 15 times before the tragic incident.
"Governor Waiguru has tried curbing the alcohol menace but her efforts have been watered down by rogue officers and people at the court,” Gachagua stated.
