This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On April 13, 2020, a fatal shooting occurred in Mathare Area IV, Nairobi, during curfew hours. The incident has led to the first police officer being charged with violating citizens' rights.
Police Constable Beckham Osoro Orwaru was charged with the shooting death of 26-year-old Karani Kinyiri. The incident occurred over 30 days after President Uhuru Kenyatta pronounced curfew orders.
On Monday, PC Osoro appeared before Justice Daniel Ogembo and denied the charge. His defence lawyer, Geoffrey Omenke, urged the judge to release the officer on bond.
“Your lordship, the suspect, who is a police officer, has been in custody since April 23, 2020. His rights have been [violated] for being detained for almost a month. I urge that you hear our application for bail,” said Mr Omenke.
However, State Prosecutor Gikui Gichuji sought more time to prepare an affidavit in answer to the bail plea. The judge directed that the bail plea be heard on Thursday this week.
