Court issues arrest warrants for workers who torched driver

A warrant of arrest has been issued against three employees of a transport firm, who are alleged to have tortured a driver by putting a tyre around him and setting him on fire.

Mariakani Senior Principal Magistrate Nathan Shiundu issued the warrants against Mr Ali Kamtu alias Major, Mr Martin Makanda and Mr Shabbir Abdul Osman.

The warrants were issued after the three failed to attend court to answer to a charge of attempted murder of Mr Isaac Njoroge Kamau, a driver.

The magistrate directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer in Kaloleni to execute the warrant of arrest against the accused who are believed to be guards and a workshop manager.

The accused were expected at Mariakani law courts on Thursday and it was not until plea taking time when it was realised they were not in court.

Prosecuting Counsel Vivianne Nyangena said: “I seek warrants of arrest to be executed by the director of criminal investigations Kaloleni and a mention date to confirm execution (of the warrants).”

On Tuesday, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Alexander Muteti had ordered the arrest of the three after going through the investigations file.

“I have the file and it is on my desk. I have gone through it and the order is our final decision,” Mr Muteti told the Nation on phone.

The accused allegedly committed the offence on January 28 this year at P.N Mashru yard at Uwanja wa Ndege area in Rabai, within Kilifi county.

They are alleged to have jointly attempted to kill Mr Kamau by tying his hands, placing a tyre round the waist and setting him on fire.

Mr Kamau and Mr Michael Kimani Mburu have been named as witnesses.