Kenyan officer in court over shooting spree

ERIC MUTAI | NATION. Administration Police constable Peter Karanja, who is accused of shooting dead 10 people in three different bars in Siakago town outside an Embu court after the mention of his case. The prosecution pleaded with the court for 14 days to conclude investigations. The case will be mentioned on Friday.

The Administration Police officer accused of shooting dead ten people including two of his colleagues in Siakago town in Mbeere north district was on Monday presented before an Embu court but the case failed to proceed after the prosecution pleaded for more time to conclude investigations.

A crestfallen Peter Karanja Monday appeared before principal magistrate Florence Wachira clad in an Administration Police khaki shirt and a red stripped black trouser in a packed courtroom.

The investigating officer Chief Inspector Obadiah Kuria told the court that Mr Karanja was hurriedly taken to court so as not to interfere with his constitutional rights.

An accused individual has a right to be presented to court before the lapse of 24 hours according to the new constitution.

In a frowned and dejected face, Karanja appeared absent minded and did not answer when asked whether he objected to the plea.

“Do you have anything to say about the 14 days that the prosecution has asked for?” asked the magistrate to which Karanja remained silent upon which the magistrate ordered that the court record the silence as implying that the officer had nothing to say and hence did not object.

Karanja went on a shooting spree on Saturday night, killing ten people including two APs in a bizarre case that left residents shocked.

On Saturday night, Karanja who was on duty as a sentry in the Mbeere North DC’s compound excused himself from his colleagues.

Sources said that the officer turned the gun on himself only to realise that he had run out of bullets. He then proceeded to Siakago police station and told the officers on duty that he had shot and killed ten people and that he had emptied the magazine.
He will be remanded in police custody.