A police officer assigned to the VIP protection detail of Safaricom CEO has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting incident during a bar altercation in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
Ezekiel Kipkoech Tarus appeared before Justice James Wakiaga at the Milimani Court on Tuesday, where he was formally charged with the murder of Raphael Kimuli Wambua, a fellow police officer attached to the Central Bank of Kenya.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on the night of February 23, 2025. The deceased, along with his brother Erick Ngolania Wambua—a police officer stationed at the GSU headquarters—was watching football and drinking at Wasafi Bar. As they exited the bar at around 1:20 a.m., they were confronted by Tarus, who allegedly shot Raphael Kimuli using his Jericho pistol, serial number 44338440.
Following the shooting, an enraged mob attacked Tarus before officers from the Ruaraka police station intervened and rushed him to Kenyatta National Hospital for medical treatment.
The prosecution initially sought to detain Tarus for 14 days to allow for further investigations. However, after reviewing the case, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that he be formally charged with murder.
Through his lawyers, Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, the accused sought release on bail, arguing that there were no compelling reasons for his detention. They assured the court that he would comply with all legal directives.
After deliberation, Justice Wakiaga granted Tarus bail, setting the amount at Ksh.500,000 with a surety of a similar amount. The court further directed that he should not contact any witnesses and must report to the investigating officer every Thursday until the case is heard and determined.
The case has drawn public attention, given Tarus’ role as a police officer assigned to protect a high-profile corporate executive. The court proceedings will determine his fate as investigations continue into the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting.
