State opposes release of KFS rangers in murder of student

KFS officers Zipporah Chepkurui, Charles Korir, Stanley Njoroge, Simon Mwaura, and Francis Lemiso at Eldama Ravine Law Court on May 15, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The state has opposed the release of five Kenya Forest Service rangers accused of allegedly killing a Form Three student in Eldama Ravine.

Charles Korir, Lemiso Kiparus, Stanley Chege, Simon Mwaura, and Eric Njenga were charged with unlawfully causing the death of Stephen Mwangi in Eldama Ravine.

The five pleaded not guilty to causing the death of the 19-year-old before Justice Racheal Ngetich at the High Court in Eldama Ravine.

The prosecutor Tom Imbali opposed the release of the five officers on bond terms claiming that they may interfere with witnesses.

"The state vehemently opposes bail applications by the accused persons, the officers are stationed at the area and there is likelihood of witness interference," Imbali said.

He told the court that due to the gravity of the charge and the public interest in the matter, the accused persons be denied bail.

Imbali argued that as much as the right to life and bail was constitutionally guaranteed, the court should not prioritise one over the other.

The prosecutor urged the court to expedite the case by setting early dates for the hearing in the interest of justice.

The judge however ordered probation officers to conduct pre-bail reports on the accused persons.

The case will be mentioned on July 15.