Father of British aristocrat, 28, tortured in Kenyan police cell is ‘saddened’ by killers’ release
Father of British aristocrat, 28, who was tortured to death in a Kenyan police cell is ‘shocked’ and ‘saddened’ after his four killers were released after less than 18 months behind bars
- Nicholas Monson, 67, said he was ‘shocked and saddened’ by the men’s release
- His son Alexander, 28, died in 2012 after being ‘brutally tortured’ by four officers
- He called suggestions his son was injured before his arrest ‘nonsense’
- READ MORE: A nine-year battle for justice, but parents’ fears remain
The father of a young British aristocrat tortured to death in a Kenyan police cell yesterday expressed his dismay after his son’s four murderers were released from prison on appeal after serving less than 18 months.
Nicholas Monson, 67, told The Mail on Sunday he was “shocked, surprised and saddened” by the police officers’ release following their manslaughter conviction.
His son, Alexander, 28, died in 2012 after being ‘brutally tortured’ and hit on the head in a cell in the coastal town of Diani, where he was being held for a minor drug offence.
In November 2021, almost ten years later, the four men were finally brought to justice. There was insufficient evidence to convict them of murder.
But after describing how Alexander was subjected to a savage assault, Judge Eric Ogola gave Superintendent Charles Munyuri, Corporal Naftali Chege, and officers Ismael Baraka and John Pamba manslaughter terms ranging from nine to 15 years.
Superintendent Charles Munyuri, Corporal Naftali Chege and constables Ismael Baraka and John Pamba have been released on appeal after serving less than 18 months for manslaughter of young British aristocrat Alexander Monson, 28
Alexander, pictured with his sister Isabella, was found dead in 2012 after being ‘brutally tortured’ and beaten on the head in a cell in the coastal town of Diani
Last night Lord Monson said: ‘The message sent to the Kenyan police with the conviction of my son’s killers was that they should think twice about misusing their powers. Everyone rejoiced.
“This has gone up in smoke.
“The release of these guilty men is a step backwards for the international perception of Kenya.”
Alexander was arrested in Mombasa in May 2012 for allegedly smoking cannabis.
The next day, a friend found him unconscious at Diani police station after receiving blows to the head, groin and arm.
He died from a blow that caused bleeding in the brain.
Police insisted that he be tested for a drug overdose at the hospital.
But the judge said this was clearly to cover up the attack, and a report showing he had used cocaine, diazepam and other substances had been falsified.
It was “beyond a doubt” that an officer killed him.
But on Friday, three appeals court judges said “unresolved issues” in the case “should be resolved in favor of the plaintiffs.”
Lord Monson said, “The suggestion that Alexander may have been injured before he was taken to the police station is nonsense.”