This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
On June 12, 2020, a Nakuru principal Magistrate, Faith Munyi, allowed the detention of Inspector of Police David Kiprotich, Police constables Henry Muregi and Tom Kikao, and a civilian, Joan Chepkoech, for nine more days.
The four are being held in connection with the torture of Mercy Cherono, a burglary suspect, who was seen being dragged and flogged in a viral video.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Daniel Ngetich filed a miscellaneous application seeking to detain the four for more days pending investigations.
Ngetich alleged that the suspects might interfere with witnesses and that releasing them could put their lives in danger due to hostile locals.
However, the four opposed the detention through their lawyers, who argued that there was no evidence to support the claims of danger and that the suspects had no capacity to interfere with investigations.
Inspector Kiprotich also informed the court that he had a medical condition that would worsen with detention, while Chepkoech said she had left behind twins aged two months and her absence was not good for their well-being.
Despite the opposition, the court ruled that there was a likelihood of the suspects interfering with the case and allowed the investigating officer nine days to conclude investigations.
The case will be mentioned on June 22, 2020.
