Two charged over police deaths

Stephen Mwanzi Osaka (left) aka Duda Brown and Jeremiah Onyango Okumu aka Duda Black (right) in Kibera court where they were charged with the killing of two police officers last year March 29, 2011 ANTHONY OMUYA

Two suspected members of the Al Shabaab militia have been charged with killing two police officers last year.

Stephen Mwanzi Osaka alias Duda Brown and Jeremiah Onyango alias Duda Black, who have been on the run since last November, denied the charges before Kibera Senior Principal Magistrate Grace Nzioka Tuesday.

They denied being members of an unlawful organisation and engaging in organised crime, which left two security agents dead.

They allegedly killed police constables Benson Mutuma and Arthur Kuria with grenades at Roysambu Roundabout within Kasarani Nairobi County on November 3, 2010.

The two denied the allegations and were remanded in police custody for three days for interrogations by detectives from the special crime combat unit.

“I urge this court to direct the suspects be remanded at Kilimani Police Station for three days to aide detectives in unearthing more on the proscribed group which is believed to be engaged in spontaneous killing of security personal and also carrying out organised crime within Nairobi County and its outskirts,” police prosecutor Chief Inspector Francis Ndiema said.

He added that the suspects have been on the run and were arrested on March 28, 2011 around 5.30pm.

“Police did not have ample time to question the accused. They were arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued March 7, 2011. The suspects had been hiding. Thorough investigations needs to be conducted,” Insp Ndiema told the magistrate.

But the suspects applied to be released on bond saying “five others suspects charged last month were admitted to bail. Kindly accord us the same treatement. Bail is our constitutional and fundamental right".

In her brief ruling Ms Nzioka said: "The key to administration of justice in this case and others is comprehensive and proper investigations."

She said the nature of investigations touch on the loss of lives of two people.

“I allow the prosecutions plea and direct the suspects be remanded in custody for three days. The police need humble time to conclude their inquiry into the case,” the magistrate ruled.