Fifteen police officers charged with the murder of two Indian nationals and a Kenyan have been released from the case after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) entered a nolle prosequi before the High Court in Kiambu.

The accused, who were actively serving in various security agencies at the time of the alleged offence, included police officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under the now-disbanded Special Service Unit (SSU).

The individuals affected by the withdrawal are John Macharia Wanjiru, Peter Muthee Gachiko, James Kibosek Tanki, Joseph Mbugua Kamau, Simon Muhuga Gikonyo, David Chepching Kipsoi, Stephen Luseno Matunda, John Mwangi Kamau, Paul Njogu Muriithi, Hilary Kipchumba, Fredrick Thuku Kamau, Joseph Mwenda Mbaya, Boniface Otieno Mtula, Elikana Njeru Mugendi, and Michael Kiplangat Bett.

In the notice filed before the court, the prosecution stated that, pursuant to Article 157(6) of the Constitution and Sections 82 and 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code, it had entered a nolle prosequi,effectively discontinuing the murder proceedings against the accused persons.

The 15 officers had previously been charged at the Kiambu High Court with the murder of two Indian nationals and their Kenyan driver. The victims disappeared in July 2022, sparking national and international concern before their deaths were confirmed during subsequent investigations.

The DPP informed the court that the Republic no longer intended to continue with the proceedings against the accused persons, bringing the case against them to an end unless fresh legal action is instituted in the future.