Two police officers facing murder charges over the killing of 20-year-old Shukri Adan in Mukuru Kwa Njenga will first undergo a mental health assessment before entering a plea, the High Court has directed.
Justice Martin Muya instructed that Sgt Godwin Mjomba and Constable Patrick Mutunga be examined at a government health facility and return to court on February 17, 2026, to formally respond to the charges.
The accused appeared in Milimani High Court on Tuesday for the first time, where they were officially informed of charges brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions following the fatal shooting of Shukri on January 11, 2026. The court clarified that no plea would be required until their fitness to stand trial is confirmed.
“This being the first appearance of the accused persons, I apply that they be escorted for mental assessment at a government health facility,” the prosecuting counsel stated.
The court approved the request, setting the next appearance for plea-taking on February 17, 2026.
The officers were taken into custody immediately after the incident. Last week, DPP Renson Ingonga authorised the murder charges, stating that investigations had produced sufficient evidence to support the case.
The development followed proceedings before a senior principal magistrate, where the prosecution requested custodial orders to complete their investigations.
“Police have completed investigations and recorded witness statements in the murder case against Sgt Mjomba and APC Mutunga,” prosecuting counsel Doreen Njoroge told the court.
“I have been instructed by the DPP to inform the court that the two officers will be charged with murder on January 30, 2026. I urge this court to order that the two suspects be detained at Capitol Hill Police Station until January 30, 2026, when they will be presented before a High Court judge to answer to the murder charge.”
The officers have been in custody since January 12, 2026, after the Independent Policing Oversight Authority obtained a 10-day detention order to allow its investigators to gather witness statements and prepare committal bundles.
While granting the order, the magistrate noted early attempts by police personnel to cover up the killing before IPOA intervened.
According to IPOA lead investigator Abdirahman Jibril, Shukri was shot near the MCC area in Mukuru Kwa Njenga. On January 11, 2026, Shukri, alongside Wycliffe Nyakwama and Festus Mutinda, was delivering a Toyota Fielder, registration number KDN 266B, to a man named Joho in Imara Daima.
The vehicle reportedly collided with a matatu, creating a commotion. It was during this disturbance that the two officers allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting Shukri.
