It is a reprieve for six suspects among them two Nakuru Journalists after a Nakuru Court dismissed the request by investigating officers to detain them for further 7 days pending investigations.
The six (two journalists, an immigration officer, county enforcement officer, police officer and one more county employee) had been arrested on Tuesday in Kapkures ward, Nakuru Town west for allegedly trespassing a private property and extorting money.
However, according to the Journalists, they were investigating a case of alleged illegal immigrants operating a quarry in the area.
The said immigrants who are of the Asian origin called the police and informed them about people who had allegedly trespassed on their property before the police arrived and arrested the six.
They were later detained at Nakuru West’s Kaptembwa Police station before they were released on a police cash bail of Sh10, 000 each after fellow Nakuru journalists mounted pressure on the police.
And on Wednesday the investigating officer presented the six in court with prayer that the court allows police to continue detaining them for the next 7 days to allow investigations.
A prayer that was objected by Lawyers David Mong’eri and Mr Ochang Ajigo during the morning session.
They termed the prayer as one that is baseless owing to the fact that the accused had been detained at Kaptembwa Police station and released.
They argued that the suspects were not likely to interfere with the investigations since they were released on Tuesday on cash bail and had obeyed and availed themselves in court.
And in her ruling on the matter on Wednesday afternoon, Principal Magistrate Lilian Arika declined the request by investigating officer stating that the Investigating officer had to convince the court.
The Principal Magistrate adding that “no sufficient evidence has been adduced to warrant denial of the accused right to the bond.”
However, the Magistrate while stating that the suspects were free on the already paid police cash bail issued conditions among them that they should not threaten or interfere with witnesses.
The first, second, third and fourth suspects have been barred from accessing their workplaces besides not visiting Kunste Hotel where it is alleged they had meetings with the complainant.
They are also not to have contacts with the complainant. Concerning the camera that is being held by police, Principal Magistrate stated that it will await taking a plea.
Either party have 14 days to appeal.
The two journalists are 5th and 6th accused persons.
Conditions will apply until August 15 and if the investigating officer will have no charges against the accused then the lawyers can file to have the matter withdrawn.