Police officer in court over murder of colleague

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is investigating a police officer over the murder of a colleague attached to the Central Bank of Kenya.

Police officer Ezekiel Kipkoech Tarus is in custody over suspicion of killing Raphael Kimuli Wambua in a shooting incident on February 23, 2025 in the Ruaraka area.

Wambua and his brother, Erick Ngolania Wambua, also a police officer with the General Service Unit (GSU) were out at Wasafi Bar in Ruaraka watching football and drinking until around 1:20 am when they began walking home.

"At this point, they were attacked by PC Ezekiel Tarus a police officer attached at VIP protection, who is suspected to have fatally shot the deceased person, Wambua, with his Jericho pistol, serial number KP 44338440," an affidavit filed by DCI officer Suleiman Mwatajiri at Milimani law courts reads in part. 

The incident was immediately reported to the Ruaraka Police Station under OB No. 03/23/02/2025.  So far, the reasons behind Kipkoech killing Wambua remain a mystery.

Following the shooting, Tarus was reportedly subjected to mob justice before being rescued by police officers from Ruaraka Police Station and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital where he was admitted under police guard before being discharged on February 28, 2025. 

Mwatajiri told Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Monday that their office has since launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wambua's death. 

In an affidavit filed before the court, the detective underscored the urgency of detaining Tarus for further questioning and conducting a mental health evaluation.  

"The respondent is suspected to have been involved in the murder of one Wambua," Mwatajiri stated in the application.

The investigating officer also requested the court to grant an order for Tarus' detention at the Ruaraka Police Station for 14 working days, stating that this period would allow the investigation team to complete several critical tasks including interrogating the suspect further.

"We are yet obtain a comprehensive statement from Tarus to support the investigation and identify any accomplices and the cause of the killing of his colleague," the officer told the court. 

The court heard that police also need more time to record statements from key prosecution witnesses.

Further, Mwatajiri said that they also seek to forward the firearm and one spent cartridges to the DCI’s ballistic laboratory for analysis.

"We also need time to conduct a mental assessment of Tarus at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to establish whether he is fit before he can face murder charges," he added.

The court also heard that police are expected to conduct an identification parade.

The officer further urged the court not to grant the officer bail in order to ensure his safety as his life remains at risk after being subjected to mob injustice.

"The seriousness of this offence and the risk of the respondent interfering with the investigation are grounds enough to justify his detention," Mwatajiri added in the court documents.

The application by DCI also expressed concerns about Tarus' potential flight risk, given his role within the police service, which could enable him to compromise witnesses or abscond from court proceedings if released.

"We are doing everything in our power to ensure justice for the victim, and we urge the court to grant us the necessary custodial orders to complete the investigation," said Mwatajiri.

However, Tarus through his lawyer Shadrack Wambui vehemently opposed the application by the DCI and urged the court to free him on releasable bail terms.

Wambui told the court his client is willing to abide by all conditions set by the court including not to interfere with crucial witnesses in the matter, and reporting to DCi detectives as and when directed.

The court will rule today (Tuesday) rule on whether Tarus will be detained in police cells for 14 days.