Witness: Juja MP William Kabogo Slapped Drunken University Girl at Party

Scolasticah Khaemba testifies at the inquest on the death of University of Nairobi student Mercy Keino. [Photo: Standard]

The inquest into the death of university student Mercy Chepkosgei Keino on Monday heard that Juja MP William Kabogo slapped her several times while out drinking in Nairobi.

Scolasticah Namwai Khaemba, a friend of the deceased, told the court the MP slapped Mercy on the face when she got drunk and started misbehaving by breaking glasses and picture frames at Wasini Luxury home apartments’ restaurant.

Namwai said the various alcoholic drinks Mercy took eventfully took a toll on her. She added the deceased became scared after the slaps.

“We arrived at Wasini at around 8pm and we were served white wine while Mercy opted for red wine. At some point Mercy also took white wine that we were drinking. We were six ladies on that table when the MP joined us carrying a bottle of whisky and welcomed us to share his drink,” she recalled.

Namwai, while giving her account of the events leading to the mysterious death, explained she was invited to the party by her friend Jacky and she then invited Mercy.

She explained the six had been drinking for over three hours when Kabogo joined them and told them to enjoy themselves, because it was Friday.

“My friend Jacky informed me Kabogo was in the premises and he later came. At this point Mercy was a bit drunk,” she recalled.

Mercy attempted to flee from the venue and ran to Waiyaki Way but two aides of the MP forced her back to the party. They also slapped Mercy during the ensuing resistance.

She explained the MP at one point said people should go home as others were drunk and offered a vehicle to drop all women to their respective homes, which was done.

Namwai, however, explained Mercy refused and ran towards Waiyaki Way. At this point, she called Mercy’s boyfriend and informed him of the development.

When she did not surface the following day, they went to Muthangari, Parklands and Central Police stations to find out if she had been arrested but in vain. They later discovered the body at City Mortuary.

Namwai was the second witness after Mercy’s father Joseph Kipsang last week. The third witness was Finance manager at Wasini, Peter Karuru.

The State is represented by Senior State Counsel Michael Omwirera.

Source: The Standard