Ian Njoroge, a 19-year-old suspect who was arrested and charged for assaulting a police officer is being detained in prison due to the nature of his relationship with National Police Service (NPS) officers.
The teenager had appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday June 5, 2024, where he was charged with three counts of resisting arrest, assault, and robbery with violence.
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Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi in his ruling at the Milimani Law Courts ordered Njoroge to be detained in prison for his protection due to the bad blood between him and the police.
Also, the judge issued the detention order to allow the 19-year-old gain access to medication.
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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) in a statement noted that the university Student was first charged for an offense of robbery with violence contrary to Section 296(2) of the Penal Code.
Also Read: Ian Njoroge: Lawyers Produce Evidence Accusing Police of Harassing Suspect
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According to the prosecution, Njoroge jointly with others not before the court during the hearing robbed the assaulted officer listed items on June 2, 2024.
State prosecutor Virginia Kariuki said that the offences took place along Kamiti Road in Kasarani, Nairobi
Charges Against Ian Njoroge
They were accused of robbing off the officer a mobile phone Samsung Galaxy Note 1 valued at Ksh50,000 and a battery of police communication gadget.
Further, the prosecution said that the teenager and his compatriots wounded the officer at the time of the altercation.
“He was also charged with two additional counts, including resisting arrest contrary to section 253(b) of the Penal Code and causing grievous harm contrary to Section 234 of the Penal Code,” added ODPP.
Also Read: Police Officer Beaten Up by Ian Njoroge Breaks Silence
The first-year student at the Technical University of Kenya, however, denied all the charges before the judge.
Defense lawyers Duncan Okatch, Suyianka Lempaa and Ken Echesa representing Njoroge pleaded for their client to be released on bail which the Prosecution objected.
Lawyer Okatch urged the court to release the accused to enable him seek treatment.
The Defense lawyers in their submission also accused the police of torturing their client during his arrest at his mother’s house.
Robbery with Violence & Traffic Charges
In addition, the defense lawyers claimed that their client had been charged with robbery with violence to make him look like a dangerous person.
In her Defense, Kariuki opposed Njoroge’s release on bond, saying, the police needed more time to present an affidavit explaining reasons for the bail denial.
The suspect further faces charges under the Traffic Act, where he has been accused of obstructing other motorists while driving his mother’s vehicle.
On the fateful day, Njoroge allegedly made an illegal U-turn on Kamiti Road at the Mirema junction on June 2, 2024.
Under the Traffic Act, the teenager is also charged with disobeying orders to drive the vehicle to Kasarani Police Station and carrying excess passengers.
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