A police officer attached to VIP protection, CEO at Safaricom PLC suspected to have shot dead a fellow officer in Ruaraka has been arraigned in court.
Ezekiel Kipkoech Tarus was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina where police sought orders to detain him for 14 days to conclude investigations into the murder.
Tarus was arraigned in court after being discharged from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) where he was admitted for a week after being attacked by members of public following the 1 am incident.
He is suspected to have been involved in the murder of a fellow officer Raphael Kimuli Wambua, attached to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) officer at Naivas Supermarket area in Ruaraka, Nairobi on 23rd February 2025.
Police Constable Suleiman Mwatajiri said in his affidavit that after the incident, the respondent was subjected to mob justice and was rescued by police officers from Ruaraka police station.
The officer added that investigations are yet to be concluded since the suspects and witnesses are to record statements.
The court also heard that the firearm and cartridge spent at the scene are yet to be subjected to ballistic analysis.
In addition, PC Mwatajiri said that an identification parade yet to be conducted and releasing the suspect may put his life might be in danger owing to the fact that he was subjected to mob justice.
The police also need time to take the respondent to Mama Lucy Hospital for a mental assessment to be conducted.
Preliminary investigations have established that the deceased was in the company of his brother, a fellow police officer who had gone to drink and watch a game at Wasafi Bar within Naivas area in Ruaraka.
It is alleged that the two were there until about 0120 am when they left and as they were walking home, they were attacked by Tarus.
Tarus is said to have shot the deceased using his firearm make Jericho pistol serial number KP44338440.
He was admitted at KNH under police guard where he was treated and discharged on 28th February 2025 and has been in custody.
The court will make a ruling on the custodial application on 3rd March 2025.
