Former Maralal OCS appeared before a Nakuru Court was on Tuesday before charged with killing a student two years ago in Maralal.
Patrick Wafula denied the charges of murdering a Laikipia university-Samburu campus student after a protest that had ensued in Maralal town.
The student, Tom Rono alias Thomson Rono was among a group that had gone to the Maralal Police Station to identify animals that had been recovered after a raid.
The student was among the crowd and was shot by a stray bullet and died on the spot. The office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Kiriako Tobiko and Independent Police oversight Authority conducted an investigation and ordered the Wafula to be charged for the offense of murder.
Wafula’s lawyer, Wandugi Mathiru prayed the court place the case on priority basis and that his should be given a nearer date, he also wish his client be assured a reasonable cash bail.
“My client will avail himself before court if granted bail” Mathiru also told the court that his client’s case has been given adverse publicity which worried him.
Justice Maureen Odero ordered the accused to be taken for mental assessment and the investigations from the hospital regarding his state of mind.
The prosecution was also ordered to supply the defence with all the documents including the O.B statements, witness statements, investigation diary and any report under service regulation.
State counsel Nelly Ngovi stated that the prosecution had no objection for court granting the accused bail terms but she also told the court to warn the accused of threatening the witnesses while he is out on bond.
The accused remained in custody and will be escorted to the Provincial General hospital on Tuesday for psychiatric examination by the OCPD of Nakuru.
Odero said that there was no compelling reason to deny the accused cash bail.
The case will be mentioned on July 30 and heard on October 15