Detective who recovered alleged toy pistol at Maina Njenga's house grilled

A detective who recovered a toy pistol at the house of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga's Wanyororo, was yesterday grilled following their 5 am raid on May 12, 2023.

Njenga's lawyers Ndegwa Njiru and Evans Ondieki questioned Corporal David Kinyanjui from Lanet police station, on how he handled the pistol he allegedly recovered.

Kinyanjui testified before Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion that during the raid, he discovered a toy pistol inside a pillow in the master bedroom.

He said as he was lifting the pillow when he felt something odd and upon opening the pillowcase, he found the alleged toy pistol.

"I removed the pillow case and I saw a Khaki envelope. Inside it was the toy pistol which was black. I handed it over to the in charge," testified Kinyanjui.

However, Kinyanjui said that he did not wear gloves when he handled the pistol.

He also informed the court that he did not avail of the pillow as an exhibit before the court.

"Is it in order to contaminate the scene?" asked Ndegwa.

"No it should not be the case," answered Kinyanjui.

Kinyanjui was asked whether he planted the pistol he recovered in a bid to link Njenga and his 11 co-accused to criminal activities.

"I did not plant any evidence. Also, I did not carry the pillow because it was not supposed to form part of the evidence," testified Kinyanjui.

He added that it was not a crime for one to possess the pillow.

Njenga is charged with 7 counts of being a member and a leader of the outlawed Mungiki gang.

He is accused of engaging in alleged organised crimes and planning criminal activities at his house in Wanyororo, Nakuru County, on May 12.

Njenga is accused of being in alleged possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and bhang.

The 11 others are accused of allegedly planning criminal activities and being members of Mungiki.