This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Published on August 27, 2019, a police informer who confessed to the killings of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client, and a taxi driver has recanted his statement.
Mr. Peter Ngugi, through his new lawyer, has applied to the High Court to review the decision on his confession, citing procedural irregularities in its recording.
The confession was made on August 9, 2016, at the DCI headquarters, where Ngugi allegedly confessed to being tortured and promised goodies to confess.
However, Justice Lesiit dismissed claims of torture or assault, threats, or intimidation, stating that the confession was taken in accordance with the Evidence (out of Court confession) Rules.
Ngugi was cautioned twice and given time to consult with his brother before signing the statement.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Nicholas Mutuku and victims' lawyer Ben Sihanya, opposed the application, arguing that the court cannot review the decision and the only available remedy is to appeal.
The case involves the murder of Willie Kimani, Josephat Mwenda, and Joseph Muiruri, who were kidnapped on June 23, 2016, and found dead a week later in River Athi near Donyo Sabuk.
