17 suspects in murder of policeman during illicit brew crackdown released on bail

The suspects, who appeared before Siaya High Court Judge Justice Daniel Odembo on Wednesday failed to take plea for the second time since they have still not undergone a mental assessment.

Justice Odembo directed that the suspects be released on a personal bond of Ksh.200,000 and a surety of a similar amount each pending the mental assessment which has not taken place because of the ongoing doctors’ strike.         

Justice Ogembo further directed that each of the suspects shall be reporting daily to Aram Police station until the day of plea taking. 

The suspects had been accused of attacking and killing a senior police officer and seriously injuring another one at Oyude market in Rarieda sub-county on March 13, 2024.

The late Simon Mwangi Kariuki and another officer were in an illicit brew crackdown exercise within Oyude shopping center when they were attacked by an irate mob that stoned Mwangi to death.

During the incident, a ceska pistol belonging to the deceased officer was stolen by the attackers but was later recovered by the officers who conducted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.