A Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer accused of fatally shooting two boda boda riders along the Thika–Garissa Highway will remain in custody until Tuesday.

On Monday, September 8, Deputy Registrar Jackline Karani ordered that Erick Gitonga Nyaga be held at Kiambu Police Station 

This is as the court considers an application by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to detain him for 21 more days. The ruling will be delivered on Tuesday, September 9 at 3 pm.

Nyaga was arraigned at the Kiambu Law Courts over the deaths of the two riders, Kennedy Ojuma (38) and Stephen Mwenda (39).

According to IPOA, Nyaga’s black Audi was involved in an accident with a motorbike on Sunday, sparking chaos that saw his car torched by angry riders. 

During the confrontation, Nyaga — who appeared intoxicated — allegedly pulled out his firearm and shot the two riders on the spot.

He was arrested and booked at Thika Police Station, with his Duma pistol and ammunition seized as exhibits. IPOA told the court it needs three weeks to conduct ballistic tests, postmortems, record witness statements, and complete investigations.

Nyaga’s lawyer, Philip Langat, opposed the application, saying the Constitution only allows detention beyond 24 hours if there are compelling reasons.

He argued Nyaga has not interfered with investigations and is ready to cooperate on bail.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) backed IPOA’s request, warning that Nyaga, as a firearm holder, could tamper with investigations if released.

The killings triggered anger among residents and fellow boda boda riders, who set the officer’s Audi on fire and vandalised it in protest.

The burnt car was later towed to Makongeni Police Station, while the bodies of the two victims were taken to the General Kago Mortuary.

The crime scene was secured and examined by officers from the DCI, the scenes of crime unit, and Makongeni Police.