Nairobi: One Stabbed to Death as Rival Matatu Operators Fight over Space
- Dickson Otieno Ombaka, a matatu operator, was fatally stabbed to death by his colleagues while on duty
- David Ombaka, the brother of the deceased, rushed to the scene and discovered that his brother had already passed away
- Four matatu operators were arrested and arraigned after being linked to the gruesome murder of Ombaka
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Four matatu stage operators, Hannington Oloo, Duncan Ochola, Vitalis Owino, and Daniel Ochien, were arraigned at the Milimani Law Court on Wednesday, August 6, following the fatal stabbing of another operator.
Source: Original
The court ordered that they remain in custody until August 8, when further directions will be given.
Earlier, the investigating officer had requested 21 days to detain the suspects to conclude the investigations.
"That this Honorable Court be pleased to issue a Custodial Order that Respondents herein be detained for fourteen (21) days from today at Kamukunji Police Station in Nairobi to allow No. 243603 PC Pwoka Mauka, a police officer and an investigator attached at DCI Kamukunji, complete investigations on a case of Murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the penal code, chapter 63 Laws of Kenya," the application read in part.
According to reports, on the night of August 2, at around 9:30 pm, the suspects, accompanied by others not yet before the court, allegedly attacked Dickson Otieno Ombaka while he was on duty.
An altercation had occurred between two rival matatu factions working for different Saccos, which led to the stabbing of the deceased, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Why did Matatu operators allegedly stab Dickson Otieno?
Preliminary investigations revealed a longstanding dispute between Obamana Sacco and Obamana Links Ltd over picking and dropping spaces along Temple Road near Uyoma Street junction.
The two PSVs were originally a single entity before a faction broke away and rebranded as Obamana Links Ltd, subsequently laying claim to operational space formerly shared.
The incident was reported at 0135hrs by the deceased’s brother, David Omondi Ombaka, who had been informed by a stage attendant at Obamana that Dickson had been stabbed and taken to MSF Hospital along Juja Road.
Upon arrival, David discovered that his brother had already died due to excessive bleeding from the stab wound.
Officers from DCI Kamukunji responded and moved the body to Mama Lucy Hospital Mortuary.
The suspects were later arrested at the DCI office in Kamukunji after recording statements and were booked into the cells at around 1845hrs, pending arraignment.
Dickson was the stage manager for Obamana Links Ltd and was on duty when the incident occurred.
The suspects, along with others still at large, were stationed at the adjacent Obamana Sacco stage.
The investigating officer told the court that fights over passenger dropping and picking spaces have become chronic, often leading to fatal injuries.
He emphasised the seriousness of the matter, urging the court not to release the suspects since some accomplices remain at large and their release could compromise the arrest process and justice for the victims.
He also informed the court that the suspects would undergo mental assessment at the forensic psychiatric clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The matter is scheduled for directions on August 8.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
