Suspects linked to fake police station to remain in custody

Kakamega Resident Magistrate Anjeline Odawo has granted police seven days to detain 10 suspects linked to running a fake police station, to conclude investigations.

The 10 respondents, Emanuel Nyangweso, Koffi Anan, Derrick Owino, Brian Obonyo, Charles Kalemani,Marlene Olenyo,Stephen Wakhungu, Geoffrey Otieno, Johnstone Sirova Muhindi and Vymon Ouma Okech who appeared before the magistrate on Friday will remain in custody at Kakamega Police Station.

Odawo said that the court was to make a determination whether to grant orders sought in the application dated February 13,2025.

“In this instance case, I note that the suspects have been brought under a situation that has been highly publicized thus this matter attracts public interest. In the past few days, the media has continuously reported on the situation that led to the arrest of the suspects herein,” she said.

The magistrate found that there was no ruling to what extent the public has become charged based on the publication.

“It is possible that indeed releasing the suspects back to the community right now could endanger their lives. Further, I take judicial notice that age assessments for suspects and accused persons at Kakamega County General Hospital are done on specific days of the week, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays,” said Odawo.

The trial magistrate said it would be unreasonable to expect the investigation officer to have managed to have the assessment done before arraigning the suspect before court.

“Today considering the suspects are stated to have been arrested on Tuesday and she had to arraign them before court pursuant to this application which is a Thursday,” she added.

She argued that justice is about the balance of the rights of all those involved in a particular matter.

“I find in the interest of justice that considering that balance, it is prudent to allow the police officers time to complete their investigation. I allow the application and grant orders for the respondents to be detained in custody,” she said.

Prosecution led by Lazarus Sirtuy argued that the matter was of public interest and members of the public can be hostile towards the suspects.

“On issues of non-disclosure section 263 penal code has been well explained and investigations are still being conducted. Give us time for age assessments to confirm if the suspects are minors,” he said.