MOMBASA: Three charged with murder of police officers

Three people suspected of being members of a secessionist group were on Tuesday charged with the murder of four police officers.

Mr Jabir Ali Dzuya, Mr Bwanamkuu Alwan and Mr Antony Mwatela, however, denied the charges before Mombasa judge Martin Muya.

The accused, jointly with others not before court, allegedly killed Changamwe police boss Otieno Owouri, corporal Salim Chebii and constables Stephen Maithya and Andrew Songwa.

According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly committed the offences on March 3 this year at Jomvu within Miritini in Kilindini.

The accused, who are said to be members of the Mombasa Republican Council, appeared in court two weeks ago but could not plead to the charges as police were still conducting investigations. Besides, a psychiatric report was yet to be made available to the court.

They had been remanded in custody at Changamwe Police Station prior to their arraignment on Tuesday.

Prosecutor George Muriithi had told the court that the accused had been seen by a psychiatrist and were fit to plead to the charges.

Defence lawyer Joseph Tarus appealed to the court to have the case heard as soon as possible, saying the accused are young men and sole breadwinners.

“We also want the State to supply us with documents. We don’t want a situation where we find none when we come for the hearing,” said Mr Tarus.

Mr Muriithi said he was ready to supply the defence with all the documents and statements they will rely upon on Monday next week.