Two Cops, Civilians in Court for Trading Illegal Guns

By RTN Reporter

A senior police officer, three others arraigned at Kibera law court for allegedly owning and selling illegal guns and ammunition to civilians in Laikipia County.

On April 17, 2023, four individuals—Chief Inspector Joel Waweru, Martin William Murimi (police officer), Josephat Maina Karanja, and Teresia Wairimu Maina—were discovered in possession of a substantial quantity of ammunition in Monjere area, Laikipia County. 

The firearms are suspected to be among those frequently used by armed bandits to terrorize peaceful residents in Kerio Valley, North Rift region.

However, on April 29, 2024, Kibera senior principal Samson Temu said the officers Githaiga and Murimi will be detained at Muthaiga and Kilimani police stations until May 6. 

"The investigations in relation to the respondents are still ongoing to arrest more suspects and recover exhibits." Prosecution requested.

Arrests were made on April 19, 2024, in Ol Moran area, Kirima Sub County. Prosecution, however, opposed the granting bond to the accused considering gravity of the matter.

The opposition was presented through an affidavit by Investigation Officer Ip Nicholas Njoroge, outlining reasons for their stance.

Njoroge highlighted the ongoing nature of the investigations against the respondents and the need to apprehend additional suspects and recover crucial evidence. 

Furthermore, the affidavit expressed concerns about potential interference with witnesses if the accused were to be released on bond.

Officer Njoroge asserted, "There is a likelihood that the accused will contact and interfere with witnesses." The prosecution believed that the accused individuals had the resources, connections, and accomplices who were still at large to facilitate such interference. 

Njoroge also provided information regarding the licensing status of the accused persons' firearms. "We have confirmed that co-accused Josephat Maina Karanja and Teresia Wairimu Maina are not licensed to either purchase, acquire, or have in their possession any firearms," the affidavit stated.

Regarding another accused individual, Joel Warui Githaiga, it was revealed that he possessed an expired firearm license and was believed to be in possession of a pistol that had not been recovered, potentially in the hands of criminal gangs.

Officer Njoroge noted,  "The respondents have other accomplices within Laikipia county and other aforementioned counties affected by murder, robbery with violence, banditry, and cattle rustling, with some being masterminds, suppliers, and distributors of firearms and ammunition."

The prosecution contended that releasing the accused on bond would pose risks to their personal security, as members of the public pursuing them could jeopardize their safety.

 "Releasing the respondents on bond at this juncture will risk their lives as members of the public within the area, so their personal security is not guaranteed," asserted the Prosecution. 

Considering the gravity of the charges, the ongoing investigations, and the potential risks involved, the prosecution urged the court to deny the accused individuals' request for bond. 

The court, after considering the arguments presented, ruled that the matter would be mentioned again on May 6, 2024, awaiting a report from the probation officers.

The accused individuals face charges of ammunition possession, organized crime, and other serious offences.

This case has garnered significant public attention due to the involvement of a senior chief inspector of police, and the court proceedings on May 6 are eagerly anticipated for further developments.