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A Nakuru court has allowed detectives 14 days to detain six suspected members of a gang linked to the murder of three women in Bahati, pending investigations. 

Senior Principal Magistrate Charles Ndegwa, in his ruling, said he was persuaded by the miscellaneous application filed by police, and allowed the suspects to be held until July 19. He directed the police to present the suspects in court after two weeks to face charges or be released. 

Reasonable time

“I have carefully considered the application and, there being no objection from the suspects, I find there are compelling reasons to warrant detention. The time sought is reasonable enough to carry out a comprehensive investigation,” he ruled.   

The six — Evans Michori, Dennis Alusiola, Ficky Wanjala, Julius Omondi, Isaac Kinyanjui and Josephat Simiyu — who appeared in court yesterday — are said to be members of the dreaded ‘Confirm’ gang. 

Police said the suspects are believed to be behind the murder of three women in Mawanga. Police say the matter is complex and that investigations are still going on, with a likelihood of more suspects being apprehended. 

Investigating officer Kennedy Mwachi told the court yesterday that the six are likely to be charged with murder, robbery with violence and arson once investigations are completed within the time sought. 

Mwachi also revealed that the police will escort the suspects to Nakuru Level Five Hospital for extraction of samples for DNA profiling and mental assessment before any charges are preferred against them. 

“We are investigating robbery with violence, murder and arson. The offences are believed to have been committed on diverse dates between December 2, 2021 and June 24, 2022 in Mawanga,” said Mwachi. 

In court, Mwachi said the investigating team has vital and crucial information that is likely to lead to the arrest of more suspects and accomplices. 

 Forensic analysis

“The suspects have to undergo police procedures formally, which include recording statements and interrogations,” said Mwachi. He added that phones recovered during the suspects have to undergo forensic analysis, adding that confirmation of ownership is also needed for a motorcycle that was seized. 

“Reports from samples collected at the scenes of crime are yet to be received from the Government Chemist,” said Mwachi. 

On July 1, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) arrested the six, linked to serial killings. 

Police say the main suspect — identified as Evans Michori Kebwaro — was apprehended after fleeing to Keroka in Kisii county. The suspect named five others. 

Preliminary reports from the elite Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, augmented by the Special Services Unit (SSU), said Michori had a previous conviction and imprisonment. 

Their arrest follows an Executive order issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta and a high security meeting chaired by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. 

The matter will be mentioned on July 19.