Kabarnet: 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 with the murder of Augustine Kipngetich on February 5 at around 6:30 pm at Narasha Forest in Koibatek subcounty, Baringo County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the rangers appeared before Justice Rachel Ngetich and were 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, requested the court to release her clients on bond, arguing that the officers were not a flight risk.
Nanzushi further urged the judge to grant the accused a conduct of bond prohibiting them from going to Narasha or threatening the witnesses. She added that the accused had been in custody for a month and seven days, which she noted was sufficient time to calm members of the public.
Prosecution counsel Winfrida Omari, in her submission, opposed the release of the trio on bond. She requested that they be retained in custody until the witnesses, who were residents of Narasha Forest, testify. The counsel expressed concerns that the accused might interfere with or threaten the witnesses.
Justice Ng'etich, in her ruling, granted the prosecution counsel's request and ordered the accused to be retained in custody.