By Sharon Mwaniki
The prosecution has opposed the release of Ian Ngige Njoroge on bail pending the hearing that happened on June 5.
Ian Njoroge is accused of robbery with violence contrary to section 296(2) of the Penal Code.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Victor Owiti, and Prosecution Counsel James Gachoka and Virginia Kariuki told Milimani Law Courts Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi that there were compelling reasons to deny Mr. Ngige bail.
The prosecution counsel argued further that it was in the interest of justice that the accused person is not granted bail as the offences he is charged with are serious.
Njoroge on June 2, is accused of robbing Corporal Jacob Ogendo of a communication gadget and a mobile phone valued at Sh50,000, he unlawfully beat up the officer and harmed him and also resisted arrest by the said officer Ogendo who at the time of resistance was acting in the due execution of his duty along Kamiti Road.
The prosecution further explained to the court that the denial of bail would send a warning to the public about the consequences of assaulting police officers and public servants in the line of duty.
The prosecution further emphasized the seriousness of the offence, telling the court the accused consistently assaulted a 57-year-old police officer in public.
Further, the prosecution explained to the court that the accused had been arraigned on different counts related to traffic and criminal offences.
The traffic offences were causing obstruction, carrying excess passengers in a Nissan Note vehicle and disobeying verbal directions given by an officer.
The prosecution added that based on the video of the accused fleeing the scene of the alleged crime, which has since gone viral on social media, and the fact that he went into hiding when authorities commenced a manhunt for him indicates he is a flight risk if handed temporary freedom.
“The prosecution added that based on the video of the accused fleeing the scene of the alleged crime, which has since gone viral on social media, and the fact that he went into hiding when authorities commenced a manhunt for him indicates he is a flight risk if handed temporary freedom,” read the statement from the ODDP in part.
The prosecution further told the court the accused was likely to interfere with the witnesses including the complainant who will at some point be required to testify in court.
The prosecution team told the court the accused person was also likely to interfere with the evidence considering social media reports that the complainant had agreed to drop the charges.
The court will rule on the bail application on June 7, after a pre-bail assessment report has been filed.