The five St Augustine Preparatory School employees when they appeared before court. [Photo/ barakafm.org]
Five St Augustine Preparatory School staff members were on Wednesday arraigned before a Mombasa Court to answer to charges of murder.The court heard that Jeremy Masila, a six-year-old nursery pupil, died after been crushed by the back wheels of the school bus on July 21, 2017 in Sega, Majengo.Jeremy fell down through an opening on the floor of the bus.The five, headmistress Serah Kessi, school bursar Venant Mwasaru, driver Valdi Mbadi, mechanic Abednego Mwendwa and bus conductor Charo Kazungu denied the charges before Lady Justice Dora Chepkwony.Through their lawyers Gikandi Ngibuni and Cherrie Oyier, the five filed an application to be released on reasonable bond terms.Lawyer Ngibuni argued that his clients, being staff members of the institution were critical in preparation for national examinations, adding that they shall comply with all the conditions the court will impose.Prosecuting Counsel Alice Ochola said that the State does not intend to oppose the request to release the accused persons on bond but the court should take into consideration the seriousness of the offence.Justice Chepkwony will deliver her ruling on the bond application in the next case hearing.