By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Five officers from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) were charged with the death of a 19-year-old boy in Eldama Ravine sub-county in Baringo County.
The five KFS officers appeared before Hon. Justice Rachael Ngetich at the Eldama Ravine High Court.
They faced charges of murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The incident, allegedly occurred on May 8th, 2024, in the Maji Mazuri Forest area of Baringo County.
The accused individuals Charles Korir Kipkoech, Lemiso Francis Kiparus, Stanley Njoroge Chege, Simon Mbugua Mwaura, and Eric Mwaura Njenga.
They are accused of collaboratively and unlawfully causing the death of Stephen Mwangi, a 19-year-old Form Three student.
The Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Tom Imbali, who is leading the prosecution team, strongly opposed the bail applications.
He expressed concerns about witness interference, the severity of the charge, and the public interest.
“Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Tom Imbali, leading the prosecution team, vehemently opposed bail applications citing concerns of witness interference, the gravity of the charge, and the public interest,” wrote the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Mr. Imbali emphasized that both the right to life and the right to bail are constitutionally protected, urging the court not to prioritize one over the other.
He also requested the court to expedite justice by setting early hearing dates for the case.
Despite the officers pleading not guilty, the Judge ordered a pre-bail report to be submitted before the next mention of the case, which was scheduled for July 15th for further directives.