Four Police officers alongside the owner of the Kirinyaga bar owner where 17 people died after consuming illicit alcohol are facing murder charges.

Prosecutors at the Baricho Law Court led by Jane Maari on Thursday filed murder charges against the bar owner John Muriithi, his brother Anthony Muthee, Lydiah Wanjiru and police officers Francis Mutethia, Allan Kimanzi, Brian Kariuki, former Kiamaciri commanding station officer Kennedy Mugambi.

While preferring the charges, the prosecution also called for a mental assessment test to be done on the suspects including the bar owner.

The 17 people who died after consuming the deadly liquor at  Kangai and Kandongu villages in Mwea-West Sub-County, Kirinyaga County were buried on February 17.

Investigations uncovered that the alcohol consumed by the 17 individuals and several others who lost their eyesight was confiscated liquor stored at the Kiamaciri police station as exhibit.

The lethal brew is reportedly said to have been stored at the station before four rogue officers allegedly sold it to a member of the community. The four officers were subsequently arrested and arraigned at the Baricho Law Courts.

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