Malala, Echesa released from custody, to appear in court over Matungu murders

– The two politicians were arrested on May 17 in connection with brutal murders in Matungu, Kakamega county

– Several other suspects including Matungu MP Justus Murunga were also put in police custody over the murders

– Matungu has experienced a wave of mysterious night attacks which left over 10 civilians dead and many others wounded

– Politicians were suspected to be behind the rampant killings which saw the government beef up security in the area

– Malala and Echesa are expected to appear in court on Monday despite their release and even as investigations continue

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala and former Sport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rashid Echesa have been released from police custody.

This was after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji directed the two suspects who were arrested in connection with the Matungu killings be set free with immediate effect.

READ ALSO: Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, ex-CS Echesa arrested over Matungu killings

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala and former Sport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rashid Echesa were arrested on Friday, May 17, over the Matungu killings and have been in custody ever since. Photo: TUKO.
Source: Original

READ ALSO : Nyamira: Serikali ya Kaunti yagundua wafanyakazi hewa 1000 katika sajili yake

In a statement sent to newsrooms on Sunday, May 19, evening, Haji said he held a discussion with the Inspector General (IG) of Police Hillary Mutyambai and came to the conclusion that investigations was at advance stage but incomplete.

“The evidence gathered so far does not meet the requisite threshold. Consequently, I have directed the DCI through the IG to have the Matungu brutal killings investigated thoroughly and the resultant files be submitted to my office for perusal and direction.

In the meantime, I further directed that the suspects be forthwith released on P52 pending the said investigations and report back to police tomorrow ( Monday, May 20) at 10am without fail,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Suspect linked to Murang’a prison warder’s death confesses he was responsible, blames it on bhang

Malala and Echesa were arrested on May 17 and taken in for questioning over the deadly attacks by unknown assailants in Matungu.

Also arrested was Mayoni MCA Libinus Oduor whose ward was the epicentre of the chilling and bloody attacks.

Matungu had experienced a wave of mysterious night assaults in the recent months but the situation appeared to had escalated in the beginning of May 2019.

READ ALSO: Several feared dead after goons fire shots at Kakamega senator’s convoy in Mumias

Police records showed at least 13 people were killed while over 30 residents sustained various body injuries.

Top government officials led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i toured the volatile village on May 16 and ordered deployment of dreaded GSU officers.

Matiang’i warned perpetrators to voluntarily surrender because they would eventually be smoked out.

Do you have a life-changing story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Huduma Namba deadline day rush – On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko