Cop accused of raping South Sudanese woman pleads not guilty

A Kenyan police officer accused of raping a South Sudanese in Kakuma refugee camp has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Kennedy Kamande, an officer attached to Kakuma police station appeared at Lodwar law court on Friday.

The suspect had escaped from Lodwar precincts on July 22, when he was supposed to take a plea on the rape charges against him. 

He was arrested on August 5 in Kandara, Murang'a county.

The court heard that on June 6, 2019, at Kakuma (iv) patrol base in Turkana West subcounty, Kamande jointly with another not before the court intentionally and unlawfully raped a South Sudan refugee woman, 40.

Appearing before chief magistrate Mwangi K. Mwangi, Kamande told the court that he didn’t flee as alleged.

The suspect said on that day, he fell ill and decided to go home to seek medication that’s why he didn’t honor the court proceedings.

In an affidavit filed by officer Joseph Kiragu, the investigating officer of the case opposed a grant of bail or bond to the suspect.

Court was informed that the suspect is a flight risk and may escape if released.

“He was initially arrested on May 20 and subsequently released on a police bond binding himself to attend Lodwar law courts on July 22.

"On July 22, I personally saw the accused person within court precincts and shortly thereafter, he fled when he was due for plea," Kiragu said.

He added that after he disappeared, a warrant of arrest was issued against him on July 22.

“I fear releasing the respondent on police cash bail due to the nature of the offence and the behavior of the respondent,” the court heard.

Mwangi said the case will be mentioned on August 18 and heard on September 2.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)