Three men charged with robbery with violence have made serious allegations of torture and coercion against the police, pleading with the court to disregard their recorded statements.
Antony Wambugu, Yusuf Mwangi Kimotho, and Gerald Kangethe Njuguna, who appeared in Milimani Law Courts, claimed they were severely beaten and dehumanized during their detention, which led to their forced confessions.
The suspects, who are accused of robbing Brian Kasuva Ngitu of personal documents and a mobile phone valued at Ksh 19,000 on August 22, 2024, contend that their statements were extracted through physical abuse.
They requested that the court order their transfer to a hospital for treatment of their injuries sustained from the police beatings.
Magistrate Martha Nanzushi assured the suspects that their statements would not be admitted as evidence if it was determined they were obtained through unlawful means.
The court emphasized that only statements recorded by police officers of a rank higher than an inspector would be considered valid.
This decision underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring that the suspects’ rights are protected and that evidence obtained through torture is excluded.
The court also informed the accused of the gravity of their charges, noting that a conviction for robbery with violence could result in the death penalty.
Despite their serious claims, the suspects were granted bail of Ksh 500,000 each. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2024.
