Court releases trader who shot woman mistaken for fugitive cop Caroline Kangogo

A Kitale Court has freed businessman Kennedy Muyundo who shot a 20-year-old woman on suspicion that she was fugitive cop Caroline Kangogo.

Mr. Muyundo who is a licensed gun holder was represented by criminal lawyer Cliff Ombeta.

He was charged that on July 8 in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County he attempted to unlawfully cause the death of Phanice Chemutai Juma by shooting and injuring her in the lower abdomen.

Mr. Muyundo pleaded not guilty to two charges of attempted murder and wounding the victim.

Kitale Chief Magistrate Julius Ny'arng'ar released him on a sh 200,000 cash bail or a bond of Sh 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount.

Mr. Ombeta told the court that his client was a victim of social media bullying

"The claims that my client shot the lady on suspicion that she was the fugitive officer, to create fame, is a creation of social media. It’s a normal case just like the others we handle,” Mr Ombeta said.

Ms Chemutai who is currently recuperating at Kitale Hospital told journalists that the incident happened when she had gone to the county in search of her sister's birth certificate.

She therefore booked a room in one of the hotels as she was unable to get the certificate in good time. 

Muyundo stopped her as she was heading to her room and he asked for her number which she gave him. 

Phanice narrated, "He insisted that he wanted my contacts. As I was going to my room, he kept calling me. So I asked the caretaker to accompany me outside the gate where he was.

"He asked who between us was Chemutai and when I said that it was me, he bribed the caretaker with Ksh1,000 and told her to go which she agreed, leaving me alone with him," she added. 

Phanice screamed for help after Muyundo shot her when they were both in the car. 

She also said, "He got his phone from his pocket and said that he had my photo and had been looking for me. I was so scared." 

However, she was rushed to hospital by police officers who rescued her. 

Kangogo is a wanted police officer on the run after allegedly shooting dead an officer in Nakuru County on Sunday, July 4, and reportedly killing yet another man in Juja, Kiambu County the next day.