Sleuths push for second autopsy on Sankok’s son

A second autopsy on the body of Nominated MP David Sankok’s son will be conducted on Friday in Nakuru to enable a forensic investigation of the body.

The second autopsy, considered part of the evidence-gathering process, was prompted by the fact that the initial exercise was conducted by a Ministry of Health official without the participation of some forensic experts and that it did not provide the necessary answers.

Memusi Sankok, 15, who allegedly shot himself dead on May 2, was to be buried today but the burial was postponed following the directive that Narok Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Mwenda Ethaiba says was ‘necessary’.

Initial autopsy was conducted at Longisa Hospital in Bomet on May 3, but detectives said some key issues were not covered.

Post-mortem indicated that Memusi’s death was caused by a bullet through his chin and exited at the top of his head.

Forensic investigations will involve examining the wound caused by the bullet to establish if it is consistent with being caused by the bullet, the direction the bullet took and even the projectile that may involve use of an X-ray.

Further investigations

Another analysis will be that of gunshot residue (GSR) to check if there is debris on the deceased’s palm, if indeed he is the one who fired the bullet.

When a firearm is shot, the debris comes out from the ejector that usually remains on the palm. GSR can also determine the muzzle-to-target distance.

Detectives have so far recorded statements from at least 10 people, however, they added that some inconsistencies had been noted that prompted further investigations.

Among those who recorded their statements include the MP, family members and workers at his Osim Country Lodge.

On Sunday, homicide detectives spent the whole day at the MP’s home in Ewaso Nyiro trading centre where they interrogated a number of people.

Area DCI boss said the two firearms recovered from the house, a pistol and a shotgun, had been surrendered for ballistic analysis.

The burial committee yesterday said the delay of the burial would allow some relatives, who are out of the country to travel and attend the function.

 “We have been forced to postpone the burial scheduled for Tuesday since some family members were travelling from abroad and wished they would attend,” acting committee chairman Julius Kuyioni said.

Another issue

The ballistic analysis seeks to establish if the firearm in question was the one used in the shooting and if indeed the recovered bullet head was fired from the weapon.

Another issue under probe is how the boy managed to use the shotgun following an altercation with the father after he allegedly refused to go back to school.

The MP told detectives that after the argument, he left the house for the hotel and while there, his son accessed the safe, took the firearm and shot himself.

Upon completion of the investigations, detectives are expected to forward the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for perusal and advice.