Kianjokoma brothers' murder case stalls after police officer hospitalised

The trial involving six police officers accused of murdering two brothers, Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura, in Kianjokoma, Embu County, has taken a twist after one of the suspects was admitted to Thika Level 5 Hospital.

In a letter submitted to Justice Margaret Muigai in court on Tuesday, the hospital's medical superintendent Dr. Angela Wekesa, confirmed that James Mwaniki Njohu is still recuperating at the facility.

"This is to confirm that the above-named was admitted to the hospital on June 8, 2025, and is currently still on treatment," the letter read in part.

On Monday, June 9, the court directed the Deputy Registrar to visit Thika Level 5 Hospital in person to verify whether the accused is indeed being treated there.

This is after defense lawyer Danstan Omari informed the court of his absence and urged the court to postpone the proceedings. 

Njohu is charged alongside Benson Mbuthia, Consolata Kariuki, Nicholas Cheruiyot, Lilian Cherono and Martin Wanyama. 

According to past court documents, prosecutors have accused the officers of arresting the brothers during the Covid-19 curfew period, citing that they died in police custody.

However, all six officers denied killing the brothers on August 1, 2021, with preliminary reports claiming that the brothers jumped out of the police vehicle and died on the spot.