Two nurses accused of attacking police officers during a raid on their illicit clinic in the Ngara area have been granted bond.
Jonah Kipsiror Marori and Ephraim Mwaura Karumbi, who face charges of causing grievous harm and operating an unlicensed pharmacy, were released on bond by Milimani Chief Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi.
Marori alone faces three counts of assaulting three police officers—Constables Tom Mbuku, Joyce Otieno, and Moses Lelei—by splashing acid on their faces and hands, causing severe chemical burns.
The incident occurred on November 25, 2024, when the officers, acting on information that the clinic was involved in illegal abortions and had unlicensed drugs, arrived at the Ngara Road Medical Centre, near the Ngara Equity roundabout.
When they knocked on the door, Marori answered and immediately threw an acid-like substance at the officers.
The police had been investigating Marori and Karumbi for allegations including performing abortions, running an unlicensed private clinic, and possessing suspected poisonous drugs.
Upon their arrival, the officers were attacked, sustaining serious burns that required hospitalization.
The three officers are still receiving treatment in the High Dependency Unit of a city hospital.
Investigating officer Detective Saidimu testified that the chemical attack left the officers with first-degree burns on their faces, hands, and lower limbs. The police also found several items at the clinic, including substances resembling human organs, which are now being analyzed by government chemists.
The accused denied the charges and applied for lenient bond terms, with an alternative of a cash bail.
However, state prosecutor Virginia Kariuki opposed the release, citing the serious nature of the officers’ injuries and the public interest in the case.
“The officers suffered chemical burns on their faces, hands and lower limbs. With one two officers suffering first degree burns and are hospitalized,” Kariuki told the court.
She emphasized the significance of the assault on officers performing their duties, which had raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel.
” These officers were on their duty when they were attacked. This kind of conduct has has caused the national police to question their safety. Consider this matter as of great public interest,” Kariuki said.
Kariuki argued that the case warranted stringent bond terms, particularly for Marori, given the severity of the attack.
She also suggested that Mwaura, due to his age (61), could be considered for a more lenient bail arrangement. In response, the defense highlighted Mwaura’s long-standing career as a nurse and his contributions to paying taxes in Kenya.
Magistrate Ekhubi ultimately granted Marori a bond of Sh 600,000 with one surety of the same amount, while Mwaura was given a bond of Sh 300,000, with an alternative of Sh 200,000 in cash. The case will be mentioned again on January 20, 2021.
