DCI officer suspected of rape held for 7 days

An Embu court on Wednesday allowed police to hold a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman for seven days.

The prosecutor, Victor Ombwongo told the court they needed more time to carry out thorough investigations before the officer, Jerevasio Njeru is charged.

He informed the court that, even witnesses were yet to record statements.

Mr Ombwongo further argued that the officer could interfere with prosecution witnesses if released on bond.

Despite the defence lawyer Mumanyi Gichuki, opposing the application, the principal magistrate, Jean Ndeng'eri ordered that the officer be held at Itabua Police Station.

Mr Njeru was alleged to have raped the woman at Manyatta Police Station.

The woman had been arrested on May 30, on suspicion that she had obtained money by false pretences. Mr Njeru summoned her to his office the following day, where he allegedly abused her.

The woman reported the matter to the same police station and was taken to Embu Level Five hospital where she was admitted.