10 charged with killing police officer and stealing his rifle

What you need to know:

  • They allegedly administered unlawful oath and were in possession of witchcraft charms when the offences were allegedly committed close to two weeks ago in Kilifi County.
  • The prosecution said the accused allegedly, jointly with others not before court, armed with machetes and rungus, robbed Mr Athenus Kilonzo of a G3 rifle, then killed him violently.
  • Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Alexander Muteti opposed their release of them on bail saying charges facing them are serious as they border on national security.

Ten people have been charged in a Mombasa court with violently robbing an Administration Police officer of his rifle and killing him.

The accused who appeared before Mombasa senior principal magistrate Richard Odenyo were also charged with two counts of causing the victim grievous harm.

They allegedly administered unlawful oath and were in possession of witchcraft charms when the offences were allegedly committed close to two weeks ago in Kilifi County.

Mr Jacob Chanze, Mr Safari Nzaro, Mr Athuman Nzai, Mr Keraga Nzai, Mr Kazungu Charo, Mr Jairus David, Mr Kazungu Emmanuel, Mr Katana Kadenge, Mr Emmanuel Tsui and Mr Kahindi Karisa denied the charges.

The prosecution said the accused allegedly, jointly with others not before court, armed with machetes and rungus, robbed Mr Athenus Kilonzo of a G3 rifle, then killed him violently.

The offences are alleged to have been committed on December 11 at Kinarani, Kaloleni Sub-County.

OPPOSED THEIR RELEASE

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Alexander Muteti opposed their release of them on bail saying charges facing them are serious as they border on national security.

“The right to bail is not absolute. If they are released, it will encourage criminals to continue wrecking havoc,” said Mr Muteti.

Mr Muteti urged the court to remand the suspects pending hearing and determination of their cases.

Defense lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo argued the charges facing the 10 are bailable. “There no evidence that they are dangerous,” he said. Ruling will be delivered on January 22.

Meanwhile, 43 suspected Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) members were charged with being members of an organized criminal group.

The offence was allegedly committed between December 14 and 16 this year at Kinarani,Mutsengo and Palakumi areas in Kaloleni. The case will be heard on March 24.