Woman in Alleged Mistaken Identity Case Freed; Legal Action Looms Over Arrest

Teresia Wanjiru, commonly referred to as "Mathe wa Ngara," has been granted her release by the court after finding herself ensnared in an alleged case of mistaken identity during a drug den raid in Ngara, Starehe Sub-County. However, her legal journey is far from over, as her lawyer plans to sue for wrongful arrest and defamation.

Following her arrest on August 15, 2023, alongside three others - Eugene Jumba, Hillary Jumbo, and Sheila Withers - Ms. Wanjiru has now been released on a Sh50,000 cash bail. Magistrate Njeri Thuku, who presided over the case, imposed specific conditions for her release.

In a bid to secure her freedom, Ms. Wanjiru is required to furnish the court with contact details for two individuals, one of whom must be a blood relative. These individuals are expected to provide a social report about Ms. Wanjiru before the JKIA law courts within seven days.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Ms. Wanjiru has staunchly maintained her innocence, asserting that she had no involvement in any illicit drug-related activities. Rather, she contends that her livelihood revolves around managing a quick food establishment.

Brian Khisa, her lawyer, has revealed his intention to not only secure her release but also take legal action against the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for wrongful arrest and for associating her image with criminal activities.

"Our main aim today is to ensure we secure her freedom, then from there we shall sue the DCI for wrongful arrest and also sharing her image and relating the family to one that operates like a mafia," Mr. Khisa emphasized.

Ms. Wanjiru's defense hinges on her claim that she was apprehended due to a mix-up in identity, and she asserts that the police were fully aware of their actions during the operation.

Meanwhile, another individual implicated in the same case, Nancy Kigunzu, also known as "Mathee wa Ngara," was not granted bail. The court deemed her a flight risk due to her alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Despite her plea for bond, Magistrate Thuku ruled against it, citing the interests of justice.

Ms. Kigunzu, along with co-accused Eugine Jumbo, who was also denied bail, will remain in custody until the drug trafficking case is heard and decided. As the legal battles unfold, the case brings into focus issues of mistaken identity, arrest procedures, and justice in the context of drug-related allegations.