Kenyan entertainer Joseph Mwenda alias DJ Joe Mfalme breathed a sigh of relief following his release from remand amidst investigations into the murder of senior detective Felix Kelian.
After court proceedings, Mfalme expressed gratitude for being exonerated of the murder charges.
"Bro, acha ata niende nikaoge na ninyolewe, but it went well, the lawyer already told you. Nishalearn lesson, 14 days," Joe said.
Also Read:
In a statement on Instagram, his management conveyed gratitude to fans and followers who supported the entertainer while in detention.
"Dear Friends, supporters and well-wishers, We want to sincerely thank you for having stood firmly with DJ Joe and his team during this challenging time. We are relieved and do welcome the outcome of the investigations carried out as they have exonerated DJ Joe Mfalme and his team, Eric Kariuki and Simon Wanjiru," the statement read in part.
Adding;
"As a result of the outcome of the investigations, DJ Joe Mfalme, Erick Kariuki and Simon Wanjiru have been unconditionally released today by the court sitting at Kibera. We have advised our legal representatives to follow up with Allan Ochieng's case and provide legal assistance. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Inspector Felix Kelian's family and we extend our most heartfelt sympathies. Thank you for your prayers and continued support, God Bless."
The popular entertainer, along with six others, had been in custody during the investigation.
They were detained at the behest of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the government, to allow for the completion of investigations into the murder of the Kabete detective.
DJ Joe exonerated, turned state witness
In a ruling on Monday, April 8, Kibera Magistrate Margaret Murage was informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that Mwenda and five others, including three police officers, will be designated as state witnesses.
Among the accused-turned-state witnesses are Eric Kariuki Gathua, Simon Wambugu Wanjiru, Khadija Abdi Wako, Sammy Cheruiyot Rotich, and Agnes Kerubo Mogoiare.
According to a letter dated April 5, 2024, from the ODPP, Allan Ochieng, previously implicated in the assault of Kelian, now faces a murder charge linked to the incident leading to Kelian's death.
"After investigations, police have recommended that Allan Ochieng be prosecuted over the death of Kitosi," the DPP stated.
"ODPP has further recommended that the 1st accused Allan Ochieng be charged with the murder of the late senior cop that was attached to DCI Dagoretti. The ODPP has recommended Allan Ochieng to take a plea at Kiambu Law Court and be charged with murder."
The murder case
On March 25, the police informed Murage that initial investigations revealed the deceased was involved in a minor accident while driving on Kikuyu road.
Allegedly, he collided with a vehicle carrying Allan, Eric, Simon, and DJ Joe, along with another person who remains unidentified.
According to Frederick Kosen, a police officer from DCI Dagoretti, an altercation ensued after the accident, resulting in the deceased being assaulted by Allan, Eric, Simon, and DJ Joe. Abdi, who was on duty at Kikuyu police station that night, purportedly arrived at the scene and found the deceased being attacked by Allan, Eric, and DJ Joe.
The officer stated that the group, including Allan, Eric, Simon, DJ Joe, and Abdi, took the deceased to Kikuyu police station.
There, the deceased complained of abdominal pain and was observed urinating blood by Sammy Rotich and Agnes Mogoi, who were on duty at the station.
"They received the deceased who was complaining of injuries and they witnessed the deceased urinating blood," Frederick said.
Subsequently, the deceased went home but his abdominal pain worsened, leading to his admission to Nairobi West Hospital.
Unfortunately, he passed away on March 21 during treatment. Following his death, investigations commenced, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
"He passed on March 21 while undergoing treatment. From then on investigations commenced and officers managed to arrest the suspects," Frederick said.
Fredrick referenced a doctor's report indicating the deceased suffered blunt abdominal trauma and traumatic bladder injury.
He argued that there was a risk of the suspects interfering with the investigation and requested their detention until the matter concluded.
The police sought to detain Allan at Kabete police station, DJ Joe, Eric, and Simon at Muthangari, and the three officers at Riruta police station.
However, the defence objected, arguing that no exceptional circumstances were justifying the suspects' prolonged detention.
They also noted that the doctor's report was not presented in court to substantiate the police's claims.
The defence further contested claims of Allan being a flight risk, asserting that no evidence was provided to support this allegation.
DJ Joe expressed his willingness to remain within the court's jurisdiction until the case was resolved.
