Tobiko acts on university student's death

By Cyrus OmbatiThe Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko has directed Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere to constitute a team of investigators to probe the death of student Mercy Chepkosgei Keino and forward findings to him within seven days.
Officials at Tobiko’s office said the team should investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Keino.

The luxury homes in Westlands, Nairobi, where Mercy Keino allegedly stormed out before she died in controversial circumstances on the night of June 17. Photo: Collins Kweyu/Standard

The student died in mysterious circumstances after attending a party hosted by a prominent lawyer who also faces criminal charges in the High Court.
Two senior counsels shall assist the investigating team. After the findings, the DPP will determine the kind of charges to prefer against those deemed responsible.
Police said on Tuesday they are waiting for further tests to tell what caused the death. "We are waiting for results from the Government Chemist on the samples from her body," said a senior officer aware of the investigations.
The samples were collected after some family members expressed fears Ms Keino may have been raped before her death.
Other insiders said charges, including criminal negligence, might be preferred on ‘some people’ if and when evidence is found to support that.
On Tuesday, Iteere said they are almost through with investigations. He said police had recorded statements from all those who were present at the party and would forward the file to the DPP in due course.
Iteere said more witnesses are still coming forward.
Testimonies"The versions by all those who were present seem to tally and we could close the file soon before we forward it to the DPP. We want anyone who has a different account to come out and tell us," said the police boss.
Among those who have been grilled is the man who is said to have hosted the party, guards at the apartment and other revellers. The man is the son of an owner of popular supermarket chain.
He was questioned at the Parklands, Nairobi, Police Station on Monday evening. Juja MP William Kabogo has also recorded a statement.
On Tuesday, detectives from the Scenes of Crimes at Criminal Investigation Department dusted the Mercedes Benz that has been linked to the death as part of their investigations.
The owner of the car, Mr Wycliffe Lugwiri Okelo, was released on police bond.
"There are forensic issues on the car that need to be addressed and that is why it has been detained. We need two or more days to finish that one," said Director of CID, Ndegwa Muhoro.
Okello admitted he saw Keino’s body at the scene and slowed down to look before speeding off about 3am.
Witnesses had told police they saw a dark car drop a body at the scene and gave out its registration numbers.
Detectives handling the case said the car seemed to have been sprayed with a fresh coat of paint, which to them could have a link to the incident, a claim Okelo denied.
Muhoro said detectives want to establish when and where the car was painted .
Keino was found dead after the night of Friday June 17 hours after she was allegedly evicted from a party at an apartment in Westlands, Nairobi.