Two Women Shot by Indian National in Laikipia Fight for Accountability
Two women, Daphne Karwitha and Penina Kinoti, urgently seek justice after being shot by an Indian national in Laikipia. The incident, which occurred a month ago, left them with severe injuries and bullets lodged in their bodies.
Incident Details
On Saturday, June 22, Karwitha and Kinoti were shot while leaving a cricket tournament in Laikipia. They were with a mutual friend, who is reportedly dating the shooting suspect.
During a post-tournament party, Karwitha witnessed an altercation between her friends and the suspect. One of the involved women is said to be in a relationship with the shooter.
The Shooting
The women claim that as they left the tournament, the suspect sped past them. He suddenly turned around, stopped near their taxi, and began shooting.
Karwitha recounts that the suspect targeted his girlfriend and injured two others. One woman sustained a serious stomach injury, while the other has a bullet embedded in her back.
Legal Representation
Lawyers Lucy Kaaria and Onayo Mbele represent the victims. They allege that despite positive identification, the suspect, Yagnik Jagiblue, remains free. They accuse him of threatening the women both directly and through intermediaries.
“Our client was shot unlawfully by the suspect on June 22, 2024, at Ol Pejeta Area,” the lawyers stated in their letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). “She sustained severe injuries, underwent surgery, and received treatment at Nanyuki General Hospital.”
Lack of Action
The shooting was reported to the Nanyuki Police Station, and an OB No./08/22/6/24 was issued. However, the suspect remains at large, and no action has been taken against him, according to the lawyers.
The legal team claims that the suspect has used threats to intimidate the complainants into withdrawing the case. Despite the incident occurring over a month ago, the police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have not moved forward with charges.
Court Proceedings
On July 22, the victims appeared in court expecting the suspect to enter a plea. However, they were informed that the suspect was unavailable and the case file was not yet prepared.
“The investigating officer informed us that the suspect would be arraigned at Nanyuki Law Courts on July 22, 2024, for plea taking. Yet, we were told the suspect was not available and the file was not ready,” the lawyers’ letter details.
Call for Justice
The victims and their legal team are pushing for immediate action. They urge the DPP to intervene and expedite the case. They believe their efforts have been thwarted and demand accountability for the violence they endured.
The case continues to highlight concerns about police response and the legal system’s handling of violent crimes. The community and victims await further developments as they seek justice for the severe injuries inflicted upon them.
