Police officers on murder trial released on bail after two years
Five Police officers battling murder charges have been freed on bond after a two-year stint behind bars.
The five were formerly attached to Changamwe Police station in Mombasa and are accused of murdering a matatu tout.
Milimani High Court Judge Momanyi Bwonwong’a ordered each of the five officers to deposit a Sh1 million bond with one surety in exchange for their temporary freedom.
“If they are unable to raise the bond, they can each pay an Sh800,000 cash bail,” ruled Justice Bwonwong’a.
The judge further directed the officers to report to the offices of the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) twice a month.
Their initial plea to be released on bail agitated through defence lawyers Danstan Omari, Aranga Omaiyo, Irene Munene, and Samuel Ayiro was denied on grounds that they may abscond.
Mr Omari had asked the judge to impose any terms or conditions he deems fit to enable the accused persons to assist their families whom he said have undergone mental trauma.
The officers facing the murder charges are Khalif Abdulahi Sigat, James Muli Koti, Joseph Odhiambo Sirawa, Edward Kong Onchonga and Nelson Nkanae
The deceased-Caleb Espino Otieno-died while in detention at Changamwe police station following his arrest on suspicion of being in possession of illicit alcohol.
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