This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Michael Remi Ngugi, a former senior police officer and former Anti-Stock Theft Unit Commandant, has died while undergoing treatment in Nairobi. He was 72 years old.
Ngugi was facing abuse of office charges in court, alongside former Rift Valley Provincial Police Commissioner John M'Mbijiwe, in relation to Joshua Waiganjo's operations within the police force.
Waiganjo, a former Rift Valley Provincial Police boss, was accused of impersonating an assistant commissioner of police and donning police uniform for more than five years without detection.
Ngugi's death comes as a shock to many, as he had been battling a long illness for close to three years. His brother confirmed the news, saying, "He has been battling a long illness for close to three years but succumbed yesterday. The family is still mourning," in an interview with journalists.
Waiganjo's arrest in 2013 led to more chilling revelations, as people emerged to expose his alleged crimes while operating as a police officer in Njoro, Nakuru County. These included firing and transferring officers, using police vehicles, and flying in police choppers.
Ngugi was charged alongside M'Mbijiwe with various counts of abuse of office in relation to Waiganjo's operations within the police force. In 2017, Waiganjo was released on a bond of Ksh500,000 and a surety of the same or a cash bail of Ksh200,000.
