DPP Makes Decision On Cop Who Shot 4 At Nightclub, Killed 2
The officer, a police constable had on December 12, 2023, opened fire on the victims, with two of them succumbing to bullet injuries while the other two survived with serious wounds.
Marvin Chege 
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that a police officer based in Nakuru Central Police Station who shot four people at Loritas Liquor Club popularly known as Vegas Club, Nakuru County and killed two, be charged with murder.
The officer, a police constable had on December 12, 2023, opened fire on the victims, with two of them succumbing to bullet injuries while the other two survived with serious wounds.
Following this, the DPP directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation and submit the inquiry file within 14 days.
IPOA proceeded as directed and conducted the investigations. The authority submitted the inquiry file to the DPP for perusal and directions.
The Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). /ODPP
"Having reviewed the inquiry file, the DPP is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to sustain a charge of murder. The DPP has therefore directed that the suspect be charged with two counts of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code today, 10th January 2024 at Nakuru High Court, Nakuru County," read a statement from the DPP's office dated Wednesday, January 10.
"The DPP reiterates his endeavour to continue the coordination, cooperation and collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the foreseeable future in order to enhance accountability, efficiency and expeditiousness in the prosecution of similar cases within the criminal justice system."
According to media reports, the officer opened fire at the club, killing a barmaid and causing injuries to three other individuals following a dispute over bills.
Among the survivors, a 43-year-old woman was shot multiple times, sustaining critical injuries with a bullet lodged in her spine. She was in urgent need of a blood transfusion due to severe bleeding.
Police stated that the dispute arose when the officer argued with the barmaids over bills for the drinks he had taken.
The two male victims worked as bouncers at the club and suffered gunshot wounds in their abdomens. While X-rays did not reveal any lodged bullets, one of them had one gunshot wound, and the other had two with no exit points.
The police officer was arrested and his pistol was confiscated as an exhibit.
Medical Superintendent James Waweru said that both men also experienced internal bleeding in their stomachs, necessitating surgical intervention.
Nakuru County Police Commander, Samuel Ndanyi furthermore revealed that the officer had a disciplinary matter for absconding duty, noting that he chose to go clubbing instead of being at work.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the shooting incident involving the officer.
