Three Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers accused of shooting dead a man within Narasha forest block last month have been arraigned before Kabarnet High Court charged with murder.
Robert Ngilimo, Hillary Bett and McDonald Wafula were charged that on February 5 at around 6.30pm at Narasha Forest in Koibatek subcounty, Baringo County, the trio jointly wilfully and unlawfully shot dead Augustine Kipngetich.
When the rangers appeared before Justice Rachel Ngetich and charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the penal code cap 63 laws of Kenya, they all pleaded not guilty.
Lucy Nanzushi, an advocate representing the accused prayed to the court to release her clients on bond saying that the officers were not flight risk.
Nanzushi further pleaded with the judge to grant the accused a conduct of bond prohibiting them from going to Narasha or threatening the witnesses.
The lawyer added that the accused had been in custody for a month and seven days which she noted was enough time to calm members of the public.
Prosecution counsel, Winfrida Omari, in her submission, prayed the court not to release the trio on bond but instead be retained in custody until the witnesses who were residents of Narasha Forest testify.
The counsel further stated that they have fear that the accused are likely to interfere or threaten the witnesses.
Ng’etich in her ruling, granted the prosecution counsel her request and ordered the accused to be retained in custody.
By Esther Mburu and Joshua Kibet
