Seven suspects charged with theft of four motor vehicles

Seven suspects were yesterday charged in an Eldoret court with stealing four motor vehicles and handling stolen goods.

Isaac Kuresha, Geoffrey Kiprotich, Hillary Kiplagat, Alfred Kimutai, Tony Lagat, Eliana Kipchumba and Peter Kibet appeared before Resident Magistrate Dianah Milimu.

The seven did not take plea after investigating officer Ann Kaldale requested for 10 days to complete investigations.

The suspects were arrested on September 30 and October 1 within Uasin Gishu and Kericho counties.

Kibet, who was nabbed at his home at Kipkaren Estate within Eldoret town, led the police to arrest the other six suspects in Kericho.

“Your honour, the said suspects are believed to be involved in a series of car theft and armed robberies within the North Rift region,” said Ms Kaldale.

The suspects are alleged to have stolen vehicles with registration numbers KBA 533K, KCB 806A, KAP 389C and KCC 381D.

Kaldale told court police were yet to obtain full particulars of the said motor vehicles from the National Transport and Safety Authority.

Trace owners

“I am yet to trace the owners of the car registration numbers recovered in the houses of the suspects,” the investigating officer told the magistrate.

Kaldale further added that she was yet to record statements from some complainants.

During the arrest, the police were able to seize four window glasses from the house of Kiprotich, which the officers suspected were from stolen vehicles.

The four window glasses had registration numbers KBD 862J, KAV 482L, KBA 533K and KAS 037E and the police are yet to trace the owners of the said vehicles.

Kaldale added that the suspects were also believed to be working with others that were yet to be arrested.

The suspects pleaded with court to detain them for seven days but Kaldale said based on the nature of the offence, she needed more time to complete investigations.

The magistrate ordered the suspects be detained for 10 days at Eldoret Police Station. The case will be mentioned on October 16.