In a startling twist to the Kianjokoma brothers' murder trial, a senior police officer has testified that the two siblings conspired to jump to their deaths from a speeding police vehicle. Chief Inspector Peter Terer, former Deputy OCS at Manyatta Police Station, told the High Court that Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura shouted "tujiokoe" (let us save ourselves) before leaping onto the tarmac.

The testimony, delivered before Justice Margaret Muigai, contradicts the prosecution's case of police brutality. Terer claims his information came from two other suspects who were in the same vehicle on the fateful night of August 1, 2021. According to the officer, the brothers jumped out "one after the other" and crushed their heads on the road, an account that seeks to absolve the six officers currently charged with their murder.

A Narrative of "Escape"

Terer’s defense of his subordinates was detailed. He stated that it was raining heavily, which prevented the officers in the cabin from noticing the escape attempt. He claimed he was informed of the incident at 0045 hours by Corporal Benson Mbuthia, the duty officer. "I did not witness the incident," Terer admitted under cross-examination, "I only relied on information given to me by the suspects."

This narrative faces a steep climb against forensic evidence. A government pathologist has previously testified that the brothers suffered injuries consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted by an object, rather than a fall. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-37)Emmanuel had severe head injuries and skull fractures, while Benson had multiple rib fractures and marks consistent with being dragged.

• The Defense: Police claim the brothers conspired to jump from the vehicle to escape arrest.
• The Evidence: Pathologists argue injuries are consistent with blunt force trauma, not a fall.
• The Stakes: Six officers are fighting for their freedom in a case that sparked national outrage.

Trauma and Tickets

The trial also heard from OCS Abdalla, who visited the scene but admitted he "did not stare at the bodies keenly because dead bodies give me trauma." Crucially, Terer mentioned that the original work ticket for the vehicle was burned when the car was torched by angry protestors in the aftermath of the killings, complicating the paper trail.

As the hearing continues, the court must weigh this new "suicide" theory against the crushing weight of forensic science. For the family of the Kianjokoma brothers, the police account adds a fresh layer of pain to a wound that has yet to heal.