Police officer to face murder charge

A senior police officer accused of torturing a suspect to death two years ago will be charged with murder on Wednesday next week.

Former Ruaraka police boss Nahashon Mutua allegedly killed Mr Martin Koome Manyara on December 19, 2013 at a police station.

The suspect presented himself before High Court judge Roseline Korir Friday.

Mr Mutua pleaded with the judge not to be remanded as the case proceeds.

Lady Justice Korir told him: “You can present your application for bail or bond on October 7.”

Mr Mutua was charged following investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

He said he had been transferred to Machakos and was unaware he had been sued over Mr Manyara’s death.

He said his transfer was the reason police had not arrested him.

Mr Mutua further said he had learnt that summons for him to appear before court had been taken to his previous work station.

The judge directed that Mr Mutua presents himself to the Police Oversight Authority at Capitol Hill Police Station at 8 am on Monday before he is charged.

The authority found that Mr Manyara was badly beaten at the police station.

He later died due to his injuries while being treated at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

He was allegedly hit several times with a rod. His head had been immersed in water and then he was locked up, even after sustaining serious injuries.

And on August 24, the Director of Public Prosecutions concurred with the police oversight authority and recommendations and directed that Mr Mutua be arrested and charged with murder.