Senior DCI officer, 4 others linked to Kitengela Lounge shooting

Less than 24 hours after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions claimed that Directorate of Criminal Investigations had not forwarded the file for consideration, the DCI has released details of the file presented to the DPP’s office on February 2, detailing their findings into the shooting incident.

In a seven-page document delivered to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions seven days after the shooting, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kajiado, detailed their findings into the C and M Lounge shooting in Kitengela.

The findings, signed by SCCIO Masake Wanga, recommended murder charges against five suspects, including Samuel Bett, Deputy Director Operations at DCI headquarters and Police Constable Abdullahi Waqo, alias Moha, attached to the Isiolo Governor’s escort.

Others comprise Amos Kyondu Ngumbi, a civilian firearm holder whose gun was used by Moha, Stephen Kyalo Nzioki, owner of the C and M Lounge, and Josses Ekale Nakain, a guard at the club.

A sixth suspect, a DCI officer based in Mariakani, was recommended for charges of unlawful use of a firearm by a public officer and failing to account fully for all ammunition issued to him.

The documents by the DCI show that a total of 11 individuals recorded statements, including the suspects, and that investigators recovered three firearms, nine spent cartridges, and a bullet head from the crime scene.

Analysis of CCTV footage by the DCI showed that the two victims, together with their colleagues, were customers at the club, contrary to claims by the club owner that they were robbers.

Police findings indicate that the victims were served drinks and meals for a long time at the club before they appeared to have become drunk.

Attempts to forcefully eject them from the club ended in a fight. According to witness accounts and CCTV review, the four men were assaulted by a watchman and later by the club’s owner, Stephen Kyalo Nzioki, before being thrown out.

Kevin and Joseph later returned, throwing stones, with one striking Samuel Bett. Bett is said to have drawn his pistol and fired from inside the club before following the victims outside and firing at them from the parking lot.

Forensic analysis shows Bett’s pistol had three rounds missing, Ngumbi’s Taurus pistol had four rounds missing, and Wambua’s Beretta had one round missing.

Despite the evidence and recommendations, the ODPP has yet to issue directions on the case. The question remains why the prosecution has stalled and who may be protecting the officers named in the report. For the families of Kevin Maseri and Joseph Kasia, the wait for justice continues.