Ian Njoroge has finally been released from remand following Sonko’s intervention [Photo]

19-year-old Ian Njoroge has finally been released from remand after Francis Wambua, an aide to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, stood surety for him.

Documents obtained by Mpasho indicate that Njoroge secured his freedom after a Sh700,000 bond was posted.

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Court informed that Ian Njoroge was physically asssaulted and lost consciousness twice during his arrest

On Friday, June 7, 2024, Milimani Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi ordered the release of the 19-year-old student on a Sh700,000 bond with a surety of the same amount.

Njoroge’s family was initially unable to secure the required surety, prompting Mike Sonko to step in.

Since Ian was denied a cash bail, his options were limited to depositing a motor vehicle log book or a title deed worth Sh700,000.

“In the upshot, I admit the accused person to a bond of Sh700,000 with a surety of a similar amount. There will be no alternative to a cash bail at this stage. However, parties will be at liberty to seek a review later,” stated Milimani Chief Principal Magistrate Ben Ekhubi.

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Court informed that Ian Njoroge was physically asssaulted and lost consciousness twice during his arrest

Ekhubi found the state’s arguments to deny Ian Njoroge’s bond unconvincing, as the prosecution failed to provide evidence that Ian’s life would be in danger if released.

“The prosecution had objected to his release for his own security. The argument that he should be detained for his safety cannot stand. I reject that argument. The investigating officer failed to give evidence to support this argument that he should be denied bail for his safety,” Ekhubi stated.

Following the ruling, Sonko offered one of his cars as surety for Ian Njoroge, on the condition that he doesn’t flee after being released from custody.

“With Ian Njoroge, his parents, relatives, and one of his lawyers, Mr. Okatch strategizing a few hours ago. Kwa hiyo mtachagua gari moja kati ya haya matatu. Chagua moja lenye wakili ataona kama linafaa na linaweza kusimamia dhamana ya Ian Njoroge, lakini hakikisha bora asitoroke,” Mike Sonko said.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) urged the court to refuse bail for 19-year-old Ian Njoroge

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has requested a Nairobi court to reject bail for a 19-year-old student accused of assaulting a police officer and stealing a communication device.

In an affidavit presented by prosecution counsel James Gachoka, it was argued that Article 49, 1, H allows for the limitation of the right to bail, implying that this right is not absolute.

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The incident where a teenager assaulted a police officer grabbed the attention of the Police chief

Gachoka informed Milimani principal magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi that denying bail to Ian Njoroge is in the best interest of the accused person’s security.

“An offense involving the violation of a police officer’s rights is a crime against the state. We contend that the offense before you is of utmost seriousness. While bail is a constitutional right, the law stipulates that bail must be denied when there are compelling reasons,” Gachoka argued.

He further emphasized that the court has a responsibility to send a message to those contemplating assaulting a police officer that they will face consequences.

Gachoka highlighted Njoroge’s failure to surrender to the police station, suggesting he is a flight risk.

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Court informed that Ian Njoroge was physically asssaulted and lost consciousness twice during his arrest

“We urge the court to consider the widely circulated video on social media showing the accused fleeing the crime scene. We are convinced that if granted bail, he will abscond and not return,” he added.

The prosecutor also noted that in the video, members of the public were seen pursuing the accused, indicating hostility towards him. Therefore, denying bail would protect him from potential harm.

Njoroge’s lawyer, Duncan Okatch, however, argued for his release on bail, alleging that the prosecution, besides the investigating officer, was fueling the denial of bail.

Okatch contended that the reasons provided by the prosecution were insufficient to justify denying bail.

“The accused is charged with an offense that a three-judge bench of the High Court declared unconstitutional,” the defense lawyer stated.

Ultimately, the court was convinced to grant bail to the accused, with Magistrate Ekhubi requesting a pre-bail report before making a final decision.

Njoroge will remain remanded at the Industrial Area prison until Friday

Court informed that Ian Njoroge was physically asssaulted and lost consciousness twice during his arrest

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that a 19-year-old student accused of assaulting a police officer on Kamiti Road and stealing a communication device was allegedly mistreated by the police during his arrest.

Ian Njoroge, who appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi on Tuesday, was apprehended hours later in Kayole, Nairobi.

According to defense lawyer Duncan Okatch, who represented Njoroge in court, the police officer involved in the case reportedly mistreated the accused inside the vehicle. Okatch further stated that Njoroge was manhandled by the officers who arrested him at his mother’s residence, leading to him losing consciousness twice.

At the police station, Njoroge was allegedly beaten by the officers, resulting in bloodstains on his clothes. Okatch appealed to the court to grant bail to Njoroge, emphasizing his youth and innocence.

Additionally, it was mentioned in court that the officers confiscated Njoroge’s mobile phone and student ID, which the defense argued should be returned. Defense lawyer Lempaa Soyinka criticized the police treatment of the accused, stating that they should not degrade him. He also highlighted the large number of police officers escorting Njoroge to court and expressed intentions to request documentary evidence and CCTV footage as part of the defense strategy.

‘He Was Raised In Church’-Ian Njoroge’s Mother Defends Son

Ruth Nyambura has spoken out in defense of her son, Ian Njoroge, who was arrested after a video showed him assaulting a police officer.

Njoroge was arraigned in court on Monday after a viral video captured the incident along Kamiti Road. Nyambura, in a tearful interview, expressed shock and disbelief at her son’s actions.

She described Njoroge as a well-behaved young man raised in the church.

“This is my first-born boy whom I have brought up by myself,” she stated. “He’s a member of the youth service at Deliverance Church Donholm.”

Nyambura recounted her horror upon returning home to find police at her house. “They told me my boy is a murderer and a robber,” she said, adding that the officers showed her the video. “They said he wanted to kill this man who is now in ICU.”

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Njoroge, according to his mother, maintains his innocence. He claims the altercation began after a U-turn when a police officer demanded a Sh10,000 bribe. Njoroge says he offered Sh5,000, but the officer refused.

Nyambura believes bystanders intervened, urging the officer to release her son’s car keys. She suggests frustration over the delay and a desire to pick up his sister for church may have contributed to Njoroge’s actions. “He was looking at time and what the policeman is doing so he became agitated. I’m thinking so,” she said.

The full story remains unclear. While Nyambura maintains her son’s innocence, the assault video paints a different picture. The courts will likely determine the cause of the incident and the appropriate consequences.

The incident where a teenager assaulted a police officer grabbed the attention of the Police chief

A video depicting the assault on a police officer quickly caught the attention of authorities, prompting an urgent search for the suspect.

Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei reacted strongly upon seeing the viral footage, demanding the immediate arrest of the 19-year-old assailant. The directive from Bungei set off a coordinated effort among various law enforcement agencies to locate the individual, identified as Ian Njoroge.

Assistance from eyewitnesses and CCTV footage helped narrow down the search, leading officers to track the suspect’s movements.

Despite an initial unsuccessful raid at a residence in Jacaranda estate, detectives eventually located Njoroge in Eastlands, where he was hiding at a friend’s apartment. The incident has sparked outrage within the police force, with officers expressing solidarity with the assaulted officer, who is reported to be 55 years old.

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has condemned the attack and urged the public to report grievances with law enforcement rather than resorting to vigilante justice. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on the morning of June 4th.