A police officer accused of attempting to kill three people using a gun has been arraigned before a Kabarnet court charged with attempted murder.
Police constable Edwin Otieno is said to have shot indiscriminately at two civilians and another officer inflicting serious gun wounds for unknown reasons.
The accused appeared before Principal Magistrate Caroline Ateya on Thursday but could not take plea after investigating officer corporal Pius Odeke filed a miscellaneous application requesting the court for more time to complete investigations.
The court allowed the police to detain the suspect at Kabarnet police station for 14 days to facilitate thorough investigations to be carried out.
Otieno is charged that on October 25, this year, at an unknown time at Loruk trading centre in Baringo North sub-county, Baringo County, he attempted to murder three people by shooting indiscriminately using a G3 rifle issued to him for official duties.
According to Odeke, the suspect after committing the criminal offence was disarmed, arrested and placed in custody at Loruk Police Station where he was later collected at around 6pm and transferred to Kabarnet Police station where he was booked at around 7.30pm.
During the 14 days detention, Mr Odeke told the court, they will visit one of the victims who was referred to Nakuru provincial hospital from Marigat sub-county hospital for further treatment and also to send the recovered firearm and spent cartridges to the forensic laboratory for ballistic analysis.
He also added that the other two victims are recuperating at Baringo county referral hospital where their medical condition is yet to be established.
“Your honour, the suspect’s life is in danger due to the incident being received and having him in custody will sustain his life,” Odeke said.
Ms Ateya said,” I find complete reasons given, the application is allowed and the suspect to be detained for 14 days at Kabarnet Police station to enable investigations to be completed.”
The Magistrate asked the investigation officer to expedite his investigation so that the suspect takes plea on November 9.
By Joan Tarus and Joshua Kibet
