Police officer linked to killing of US embassy employee detained for 14 days

Dennis Mwai Irungu, the police officer implicated in the murder of a U.S Embassy staffer who was shot dead outside a Kiambu nightclub on Sunday, will be held for a further 14 days to allow for investigations, a Kiambu court has ruled.

Kiambu Magistrate Wanjiru Ng'ang'a delivered the ruling on Tuesday in response to a request from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In the affidavit, Corporal Reuben Mwaniki of the DCI sought to detain Irungu, the prime suspect in the murder of U.S. Embassy engineer Anthony Njomo Kiono, saying they needed more time to gather evidence and round up witnesses.  

Mwaniki further highlighted how the deceased, who was imbibing drinks at Quikin Bar and Lounge in Kiambu town, was fatally shot outside the premises following a bar fight that seemingly spilled onto the streets.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV surveillance.

"At the time of his death, the deceased was outside the pub having a conversation with a friend when the respondent shot him from the back," Mwaniki told the court.

The crime scene was then processed and documented, with one spent cartridge recovered and preserved as evidence.

On Monday, the suspect was apprehended following summons by Kiambu Police County Commander Michael Muchiri.

During the arrest, authorities recovered his assigned pistol along with 15 rounds of ammunition, a broken trigger guard, and a missing serial number. These items were also retained as evidence.

"The same has been submitted to the DCI's ballistic headquarters but the report of examination has yet to be received. We also require to have the respondent escorted to the government chemist for the purposes of DNA extraction," said Mwaniki.

"He is a murder suspect and procedure also requires that he be evaluated mentally and be remanded at Kiambu Police Station for 14 days. We also believe he is in a position to interfere with witnesses.”

While issuing the judgement, Magistrate Ng'anga ruled that the period to conclude investigations into the incident had not been adequate and that there was a likelihood the respondent would interfere with witnesses.

"I've taken into consideration the position the respondent was in society and I agree with the applicant. The respondent is a person of influence being a police officer and there is a likelihood that he will interfere with witnesses and investigations if released on bail or bond," ruled the judge.

"The court is equally called upon to balance the interest of the respondent herein who is presumed innocent until otherwise and the public at large. A life was lost and it is for this reason and in the interest of justice that I am satisfied that the application has merit and is therefore allowed. The respondent shall be detained for 14 days pending investigations."