Five Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers found themselves in court facing charges of murder over the death of a 19-year-old boy in the Eldama Ravine area.
The accused were presented before Justice Rachael Ngetich at the Eldama Ravine High Court on Monday, June 10, 2024.
According to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP), the incident took place on May 8, 2024, within the Maji Mazuri Forest in Baringo County.
The five officers, identified as Charles Korir Kipkoech, Lemiso Francis Kiparus, Stanley Njoroge Chege, Simon Mbugua Mwaura, and Eric Mwaura Njenga, are charged with jointly and unlawfully causing the death of Stephen Mwangi, a 19-year-old form three student.
ODPP specified that the accused are facing charges of murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
In a tense hearing at the Eldama Ravine High Court Tom Imbali, vehemently opposed bail applications for the five Kenya Forest Service officers accused of murder.
Imbali, spearheading the prosecution team, argued that granting bail could potentially lead to witness tampering, thus undermining the integrity of the case.
He underscored the gravity of the charges and the significant public interest, urging the court not to compromise justice for the sake of bail rights.
Furthermore, Imbali urged the court to prioritize expediting the trial process, emphasizing the importance of swift justice.
Despite the officers pleading not guilty, the Judge ordered a pre-bail report to be submitted before the next mention scheduled for July 15, 2024, indicating a cautious approach to the bail decision.
