A court in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, has ordered four police officers, owner of the bar that sold deadly liquor that killed 17 people at Kangai village and two civilians to undergo mental assessment before being charged with murder on March 14, 2024.

Director of Public Prosecution officer Jane Maari informed the court that police officers based at Kiamaciri Police Station Francis Mutethia, Allan Kyalo Kimanzi, Brian kariuki, former OCS Kennedy Mugambi and John Muriithi — the owner of the bar that allegedly sold the deadly liquor will be charged with murder, contrary to section 203 as read with section of the penal code cap 63.

Anthony Muthee, the brother of the bar owner and Lydiah Wanjiru will also be charged with murder.

The court was informed that between 6th February 2024  and 16th February 2024 at Kathiga location, Mwea West Sub-County, the said killer brew killed Anthony Maina, Alice Wanjiru, Monica Wanjiru, Beatrice Wanjiku, Francis Muchira, Francis Muiruri, Franklin Gitandu, John Joseph Muriithi, John Njoroge, Josphine Wakuthii, Margaret Wanjira, Nicholas Maina, Peter Mwai, Stella Muthoni, Paul Wachira and Paul Mwai.

The suspects were brought before Kerugoya Principal Magistrate Claire Wanyama, who allowed the prosecution to hold the six at Kerugoya GK Prison. Meanwhile, Lydiah will be taken to Embu Women Prison before their mental assessment.

All the suspects will then be brought before Kerugoya High Court on March 14 2024 for plea taking.