By Dorothy Musyoka
Two police officers, Chrispus Murakhi Butali and Samwel Mbugua Njuguna, were arraigned at the Iten Law Courts on charges of stock theft under Section 278 of the Penal Code.
The officers were arrested in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, after being caught slaughtering a cow reported missing at the Kaptagat Police Station.
In addition to the stock theft charges, the officers face accusations of killing an animal with intent to steal, as outlined in Section 289 of the Penal Code, and handling stolen goods, contrary to Section 322 of the Penal Code.
“The officers were found slaughtering a cow reported missing at Kaptagat Police Station. The two also face charges of killing an animal with intent to steal, under Section 289 of the Penal Code, and handling stolen goods, contrary to Section 322 of the Penal Code,” stated the ODPP.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions,both suspects denied the charges and were granted cash bail of Ksh 40,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh 200,000 with surety.
According to the report the incident has triggered widespread outrage among local residents, who staged protests in and around the police station, demanding justice and compensation for three other missing cows reportedly linked to the case.
The case is set for mention on January 2, 2025, as the investigation continues to unravel the circumstances surrounding the officers’ alleged actions.