Suspect fails in bid to halt investigations into alleged car theft scheme
Waweru had moved to court, arguing that the vehicle—impounded during the investigations—was being unlawfully detained by officers.
A man at the centre of an alleged high-end car theft ring has lost an attempt to stop detectives from pursuing inquiries into his conduct.
On Wednesday, Milimani Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego dismissed an application filed by Marvin Wanyutu Waweru, who had asked the court to restrain the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from probing him and to compel the release of a luxury Mercedes-Benz S500 currently held as evidence.
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Waweru had moved to court, arguing that the vehicle—impounded during the investigations—was being unlawfully detained by officers.
He urged the court to order that the car be returned to him, insisting that the continued seizure amounted to harassment and an abuse of power.
The prosecution, however, opposed the application, stating that the vehicle forms a critical part of the ongoing inquiry and must remain in police custody until investigations are completed.
Detectives reportedly impounded the car after receiving intelligence linking it to a suspected motor-vehicle theft and resale racket.
In her ruling, Magistrate Alego said Waweru had not demonstrated any legal basis for the court to interfere with an active criminal investigation.
She noted that the applicant had also failed to present documentation proving ownership of the Mercedes-Benz, further weakening his claim.
The magistrate concluded that the DCI is mandated by law to conduct investigations without undue obstruction and allowed officers to continue with their probe.
The suspect is expected in court next week to take plea.
The vehicle will remain in custody until the case is finalised.
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