Court detains two in cattle theft probe
A Nairobi court has allowed police to detain two people for five days in relation to theft of cattle.
They are David Githuka and Anastasia Wanjiku Mwangi, who were arraigned before senior resident magistrate Victoria Ochanda.
The court directed they remain in custody until August 25, 2023 so as to possibly assist police in arresting more suspects involved in the theft.
Prosecution told court ‘three of the stolen cows were recovered by police who responded to a distress call from villagers within Konza’.
Ms Ochanda heard that cattle numbering over 30 were recovered before they were loaded into a lorry for transportation to an unknown market.
The court heard the lorry is being detained at a police station within Kiambu County awaiting to be transferred to the trial court.
“Swift action by police led to the salvaging of 30 herds of cattle on August 21, 2023,” a prosecutor told Ms Ochanda.
The court was further told police managed to recover the get-away lorry with three heads of cattle.
“Police managed to recover a lorry that was driven away with three heads of cattle after a bid to load 30 cows was foiled by villagers and police from the anti-stock theft unit (ASTU) and regular police,” the magistrate heard.
Pressing for the detention orders against Githuka and Wanjiku, prosecution said residents of Konza, Malili, Mbondoni, Ngiini, Kwangumu and Aimi ma Kilungu are spending sleepless nights fearing for their cattle.
The court was also informed residents are vigil the whole night patrolling the villages adjacent to the Konza Technopolis to ensure their cattle is safe.
“I urge this court to order these suspects be detained until Friday to assist police in completing investigations,” Ms Thuku heard.
Anastasia urged the magistrate to consider releasing her on bond saying she has a young baby who requires her attention.
In a brief ruling Ms Ochanda allowed the prosecution’s plea to have the suspects remanded in police custody until Friday (August 25,2023) to assist police compile their investigation diary.
“You will be detained in police custody until Friday when further directions will be given,” Ms Ochanda.
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