SIM swap fraud suspect David Mutai being tortured by police, lawyer claims

The main suspect in a case of SIM swap fraud has been tortured and left hungry for two days, his lawyers now claim. Mr Felix Kiprono, the lawyer of Mr David Mutai, claims officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been inhuman to his client since he was arrested and detained at Muthaiga Police Station. Mr Mutai alias Hillary Langat was due to be arraigned in court on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 following his arrest in Kericho County by DCI detectives a week ago. “Our client has been denied food for two days. When the information reached us, we purchased food and took it to the station but we were never allowed to see him,” said Mr Kiprono. Mr Kiprono further claimed that police officers at the station totally refused to hand over the meal to the suspect. Also read: Man in police custody after being caught defiling 7-year-old girl in a bush He claimed that they were also denied a chance to have word with the suspect and were ordered to seek permission from the DCI headquarters in Kiambu Road, but still they were turned away. It has now emerged that the suspect has never recorded any statement in relation to why he was arrested. The lawyer said that they would be opposing any move by the DCI detectives to continue detaining their client. Two days ago, Mr Kiprono shared an image while having word with the suspect who appeared to be okay. The other lawyer representing the suspect, Mr Philip Langat, said he had already noticed a behavior akin to denial of rights. “The current government has always maintained that the rule of law must be followed as a matter of course. We will follow the law and seek justice without fear or favor,” he said. Also read: New twist in case of missing 24-year-old Kenyan, Maureen Gitau, in London He said their client 's case is a perfect example of being condemned unheard. Three days ago, the DCI, in a statement said they had arrested the suspect who they have to linked to the Mulot SIM swap syndicate. Mr Mutai was spotted by members of the public who went after him leading to his dramatic arrest in Kericho County, the DCI said. He is being linked to an incident where a lawmaker lost Sh941,000 while he was out of the country on official duties in an incident that happened between December 1 and 2, 2022. Already, two of his accomplices identified as Mr Justus Rono, 28, and Mr Kevin Kiplagat have been arrested. Also read: Murder most foul: Slain Nyamira teacher’s horrifying last moments