C*********rs prosecutor to wind up athlete’s inquest
A Nairobi court has ordered the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji to conclude the inquest into the death of former Olympic marathoner Samuel Kamau Wanjiru who died in May 2011 at his residence in Nyahururu.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Wendy Kagendo issued the order saying the matter has taken a long time to be concluded and it must come to an end this week.
“Do what is within your (the DPP) powers to conclude this matter by February 9, 2022,” Kagendo ordered. State Prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki said she had one witness in court but Kamau’s wife Teresia Njeri sought adjournment saying her lawyer was absent. Lawyer Uvyu Mwendo for Kamau’s mother said he did not contact the widow’s lawyer who resides in Nyahururu.
As a consequence, the matter was adjourned to today when the prosecution is expected to line all remaining witnesses in the case.
Mwaniki however said she will consider calling the investigating officer then conclude the evidence today.
So far Kamau’s wife, mother and the woman who was with him on the night he fell from the balcony have testified in the inquest. Others who have testified are senior police officers.
Evidence by government doctors and pathologists tabled in court shows that Wanjiru was hit with a blunt object leading to his death.
The doctors said the injuries on Wanjiru’s head were inconsistent with a fall thus concluding he was assaulted before death.
Wanjiru (pictured) is alleged to have fallen off his balcony on May 11, 2011, at his Nyahururu home in unclear circumstances leading to the inquest. His mother in her evidence adversely linked Kamau’s wife Teresia Njeri, her lawyer James Wahome Ndegwa, former Nyahururu OCPD Josephat Ombati, OCS Allan Ogolla their junior officers with the alleged murder of her son.
