Three robbery with violence suspects were arraigned before a Nairobi court on Monday, where they accused police officers of torturing them while in custody. The suspects, Antony Wambugu, Yusuf Mwangi Kimotho, and Gerald Kang’ethe Njuguna, pleaded with Magistrate Martha Nanzushi not to admit their recorded statements as evidence, alleging that the statements were forcibly obtained under duress.
The trio claimed that they were subjected to brutal treatment by the police, which left them barely able to walk. They further stated that the abuse continued until they were coerced into recording statements after their arrest, and asked the court to dismiss those statements due to the conditions under which they were given.
Magistrate Nanzushi ruled that the statements would not be used as evidence unless it was shown that they were provided to a police officer of a rank higher than an inspector.
The accused individuals each denied the robbery with violence charges leveled against them. According to the prosecution, on August 22, 2024, they allegedly robbed Brian Kasuva Ngitu of his ID card, driving license, insurance card, and a mobile phone valued at Ksh 19,000. During the robbery, they reportedly threatened to use actual violence.
Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, the suspects pleaded not guilty and were released on Ksh 500,000 bond each. The case is set to continue on September 9.
