Bail Hearing for Four Suspects in Samwel Mugiro Murder Case Set for July 3, 2025
Judge Ominde directed the lawyers for the remaining accused—Rono, Barkutwa, and Keter—to submit their written bail applications within 14 days.
The bail hearing for four suspects accused of the murder of 24-year-old businessman Samwel Mugiro has been scheduled for July 3, 2025, before Judge Emily Ominde.
By Robert Assad
The bail hearing for four suspects accused of the murder of 24-year-old businessman Samwel Mugiro has been scheduled for July 3, 2025, before Judge Emily Ominde.
The suspects, identified as Dennis Kiptoo Rono, Elvis Kiptanui, Abiud Barkutwa, and Cornelius Kiplimo Keter, appeared in court as the legal process surrounding their bail applications was outlined.
During the session, Judge Ominde addressed logistical challenges in handling oral submissions for bail due to the number of accused persons, each represented by separate legal counsel.
“Given that the accused persons are four in number and each lawyer seeks to make oral submissions, this will not be possible as the court has other matters to attend to,” the judge stated. She ruled that all bail applications must be submitted in writing to ensure an efficient process.
The bail application for the second accused, Elvis Kiptanui, has already been filed and served to the State counsel, who confirmed receipt and noted that the investigation officer and Kiptanui’s counsel have also been served.
Judge Ominde directed the lawyers for the remaining accused—Rono, Barkutwa, and Keter—to submit their written bail applications within 14 days. Additionally, a pre-bail report must be filed within the same timeframe to aid the court’s decision-making process.
The murder of Samwel Mugiro, a young businessman, has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting close public scrutiny of the case.
The court’s directive to streamline the bail process through written submissions aims to balance the rights of the accused with the demands of judicial efficiency.
The case is set for mention on July 3, 2025, when the court will review the written bail applications and the pre-bail report. Further developments in this high-profile case are anticipated as the legal proceedings continue.
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