How police nabbed six related to series of robberies in Nakuru estates

Six suspects were arraigned yesterday in connection with the murder of Josephat Ruto, a police officer who was fatally shot while responding to a distress call.

The incident took place during a shootout at Freehold on the night of June 1, when police clashed with unknown assailants, resulting in one death.

Following the shooting, John Njau Ndungu and Chacha Peter Marwa were arrested and taken to Bondeni Police Station.

After questioning them, the two led officers to apprehend William Nyairi, Emmanuel Mwita, Nyairi Nyamuhanga, and Catherine Nkatha.

The four then guided the police to the suspected murder weapon — an AK-47 rifle loaded with three 9mm rounds — along with a machete.

According to a sworn affidavit by the investigating officer, these crude weapons are believed to have been used in various crimes.

The affidavit outlines a series of robberies and killings reported at Lanet, Mwariki, Rhonda, Bondeni, and Kaptembwa Police Stations, all occurring within the past two weeks.

These events paint a disturbing picture of terror sweeping across several parts of Nakuru.

Over the last two weeks, Mtaa Wangu has reported nine separate incidents in Nakuru, all believed to follow the same modus operandi — a particular method or pattern of criminal activity.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Vincent Adet, the investigating officer, Veronicah Muinami, requested a 30-day detention order for the suspects.

She explained that this period would allow the police to complete their investigations before formally charging them with murder.

Furthermore, Muinami noted the need to submit the firearms and the recovered cartridges for ballistics testing.

“We also need to record statements from key witnesses and analyze the suspects’ mobile phones through cybercrime experts. Additionally, we will request real-time call data to place the suspects at the crime scene,” she adds.

The court granted the prosecution the requested 30 days, and the case is scheduled for mention on July 3.

Last   week, another suspect connected to the series of robberies was apprehended.

Jackson Anyangu Ochito was arraigned, and although the police requested 21 days to continue investigations, the court approved 14 days instead.

That case is set for mention on June 9.