Four police officers acquitted of attempted robbery charges
Four police officers who were accused of attempting to rob a forex bureau have been acquitted of all charges and released unconditionally.
Daniel Wambua Mthini, Eliud Kipkurui Bor, Stanly Gitonga and Nicholas Murira were arrested on January 9 after a report was filed at the Nairobi regional command center.
Two men had claimed that they had withdrawn some cash from Absa Bank Queensway House branch when they were confronted by the officers.
However, the investigating officer told the court that he did not find any evidence linking the suspects with the alleged robbery.
“An inquiry file has been opened and the matter will be dealt with administratively under the national police standing rules,” said the investigating officer.
The suspects had asked the court to order investigators to return their cell phones, which had been seized for forensic examination, as they could not communicate with their relatives. The court directed that the phones be returned to the suspects within 14 days.
Prosecution counsel James Gachoka had opposed the return of the phones, arguing that they formed part of the investigations.
“We needed more time to record statements, and obtain surveillance footage, bank statements, and NTSA data and arms records before preferring any charges against the suspects,” he said.
The alleged victim had claimed that he had withdrawn KES 2 million to enhance his operations at his forex bureau and while on their way out, they were confronted by the suspects who claimed to be police officers.
A tussle had arisen but the complainant had managed to pass the bag containing the money to his security guard.