Two of the four suspects arrested in connection with the deadly chaos that rocked a UDA Delegates meeting at Nembure Grounds in Embu County on Saturday have been arraigned before court in Embu.
The two, Kelvin Mugendi, alias ‘Njamba’ and Brian Kariuki, alias ‘Veterinary Mwene’, were presented before Chief Magistrate Robert Muidi as detectives intensified investigations into the violence that left two people dead and six vehicles torched.
However, the duo did not take a plea as the prosecution sought more time to continue with investigations.
Investigating Officer (IO), Corporal John Lekolaha, applied for 14 more days to detain the two suspects, saying investigations were still ongoing.
In an affidavit filed under Miscellaneous Application, Corporal Lekolaha told the Court that preliminary investigations had placed the two suspects at the scene of the violence, linking them to the mobilization of individuals who took part in the confrontation.
The officer further alleged that the suspects arrested separately in Gachoka and Kithimu, respectively, financed some of those who participated in the chaos.
According to the affidavit, the violence, besides deaths and destruction, also put the lives of thousands of people attending the meeting, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, at risk.
The IO argued that detectives required additional time to trace other suspects, record statements, and analyze evidence to establish the full circumstances surrounding the violence.
The Magistrate, however, declined to grant the full 14 days sought by the police and allowed the DCI seven additional days to hold the suspects until September 23, when they will be taken back.
Meanwhile, Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP), John Gitonga Mukunji, who the detectives are pursuing, has demanded what he termed a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the Nembure violence.
Through Ndegwa & Ndegwa Advocates, the MP has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin, distancing himself from the violence and condemning the deaths and destruction of property.
The lawyers say their client was alarmed by conflicting public statements over whether police were pursuing him in connection with the incident.
Mukunji is demanding that the investigation be conducted without political interference, selective prosecution, or attempts to make any individual a scapegoat.
The MP lawyers have also raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, arguing that the fatal shooting must be fully investigated and that anyone found culpable should face the law.
Mukunji says he is prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation but warns that any attempt to frame him or conceal the truth will be challenged through the courts.
By Samuel Waititu
