A dramatic twist has emerged in the criminal case facing Police Constable Fred Mwela Chebai, after his defense team claimed he is being framed by his lover in retaliation over a personal dispute.
Mwela, who appeared before Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi for plea taking, did not take a plea after his lawyers led by Advocates Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui objected to the proceedings. They argued that the charges were part of a vendetta by the complainant, who is allegedly his current girlfriend.
According to Advocate Omari, Mwela, currently stationed at Sololo Police Station, previously worked at Runda Police Station. During his tenure there, he lost his lawful wife, leaving him with two children. Following his wife’s death, Mwela entered into a romantic relationship with the complainant, identified as Grace Wamboi.
The court was told that Mwela, while visiting Wamboi’s home, discovered rolls of bhang (marijuana) allegedly stored there. He reportedly photographed the drugs and sent the images to Wamboi’s parents and siblings without her knowledge. Omari claimed that this confrontation humiliated her, prompting her to vow revenge against the officer.
In April, Wamboi allegedly presented a firearm at a police station, claiming it belonged to Mwela. The officer was arrested, but the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) later dropped the case, citing insufficient evidence.
Subsequently, the complainant is said to have returned to the police with more accusations against Mwela this time alleging that he threatened to kill her while cocking a pistol, leaving her in fear for her life.
Omari asked the court to defer plea taking to give the defense time to petition the DPP to review the decision to prosecute the officer.
The case is expected to resume after the court rules on the defense’s application.
