Top cop charged with killing university student

A senior police officer was on Tuesday charged with killing a university student who was in a mob that stormed Maralal Police Station a year ago.

Former Maralal Police Station Commander Patrick Manyasi denied committing the offence when he appeared before High Court Judge Maureen Odero and was released on a Sh0.5million bond with a surety of the same amount.

Lady Justice Odero also ordered Mr Manyasi to present himself at Nakuru Central Police Station to enable police escort him to Nakuru General Hospital for psychiatric examination to establish if he is fit to stand trial.

Mr Manyasi promised to abide by all conditions set by court saying he would present himself at Nakuru Police Station without fail.

The court heard that on October 30, 2013, Mr Manyasi, then the Maralal OCS shot Laikipia University student Mr Tom Rono Lokishorumongi during riots that saw local leaders and residents storm the station.

The irate mob had stormed the station demanding release of 25 herds of cattle detained after some people claimed the same had been stolen at Malkis area.

The judge directed Mr Manyasi not to interfere with witnesses after his release from custody warning that the police officer risked being thrown into remand custody if he goes against the bail terms.

The court ordered that the case be heard on two consecutive days starting on October 15.

Reference : www.nation.co.ke