Deputy Registrar Jackline Karani on Monday ordered that Erick Gitonga Nyaga remain in police custody at Kiambu Police Station while the court considers a detention request from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). A decision on IPOA’s application to hold Nyaga for 21 more days will be delivered on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Nyaga appeared before the Kiambu Law Courts following allegations that he fatally shot two boda boda riders along the Thika–Garissa Highway on Sunday, September 8.
According to the court, the incident began when Nyaga’s black Audi was involved in a collision with a motorcycle. The crash sparked unrest among local riders, who reportedly set his vehicle on fire. IPOA’s Assistant Director of Forensics, Paul Njehia, stated that the matter was officially reported on September 7, prompting immediate investigations into the deaths of 38-year-old Kennedy Ojuma and 39-year-old Stephen Mwenda.
Njehia told the court that responding traffic officers found Nyaga seemingly intoxicated at the scene. During a confrontation, Nyaga allegedly refused police assistance and fatally shot the two riders.
He was subsequently arrested and booked at Thika Police Station. His licensed firearm a Duma pistol, serial number D09220515 and ammunition were recovered and marked as evidence.
IPOA is seeking to detain Nyaga for an additional three weeks to allow time for ballistic testing of the weapon, autopsies on the deceased, witness interviews, and further examination of the scene.
However, Nyaga’s lawyer, Philip Langat, opposed the request. He argued that the Constitution mandates a suspect be presented in court within 24 hours unless compelling reasons are provided. Langat maintained that Nyaga had not interfered with the investigation and was prepared to cooperate if released on bail.
He also requested that Nyaga’s clothing from the day of the incident be preserved as evidence for the defense. If detention was deemed necessary, Langat asked that his client be held at Gigiri Police Station for security reasons.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) supported IPOA’s application, noting that Nyaga is not an “ordinary civilian” but a licensed gun owner who could influence the investigation.
The court will issue its ruling on IPOA’s detention request on Tuesday afternoon.
