Nairobi News

A police officer accused of robbing Tharaka-Nithi Deputy Governor Eliud Mati of Sh3.5 million and depositing part of it into a woman’s bank account will be charged in court today.

At the same time, police have obtained a court order to freeze Constable Josphat Kipyegon’s bank account.

The order will on Monday be presented to the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Isiolo branch, where the money was deposited.

GIRLFRIEND ARRESTED

Police have also arrested the constable’s girlfriend Rose Kajera, who confessed that she deposited Sh1.4 million into the account of a Ms Winnie Chebet.

Another male accomplice is also in police custody.

“During interrogation, she confessed that after the robbery, she went with her boyfriend to the KCB branch in Isiolo, where he told her to deposit Sh1.4 million into the account of Winnie Chebet,” says a report on the case that was made at the Meru Police Station.

Police on Sunday said that Ms Kipyegon, Ms Kajera and the male accomplice would on Monday be charged with robbery, despite Dr Mati’s plea to have the case dropped.

Detectives handling the case said they were through with investigations and would prefer robbery charges against the three.

TO TAKE PLEA

“Tomorrow (Monday), they will be taken to court to take plea. After our investigations, we have concluded that they must be charged,” said a detective from the Flying Squad who is privy to the investigations.

Mr Kipyegon might face robbery with violence charges, while Ms Kajera and the third suspect would be charged with theft and handling stolen money.

The investigating officer said that more suspects believed to be in Kericho are being sought.

At the same time, the robbery continues to raise eyebrows, with local leaders and residents wondering why the county leader carries millions.

In meetings, public gatherings and on social media, the residents have called on the police to conduct thorough investigations into the source of the Sh3.5 million Dr Mati claims was stolen at gunpoint by his bodyguard.