Eldoret: Drama as widow of late taxi driver, Patrick Muiruri, asks court not to release accused on bail
Principal Magistrate Cherono, taking cognizance of the gravity of the situation, ordered that the hearing of the bail case be scheduled for 20th this month
Grace Muiruri, visibly distraught, expressed her concern that the release of the two suspects, Peter Wanjala and Dan Kibet posed a significant threat to her life as a key witness.
In an Eldoret court, tension reached a crescendo as Grace Muiruri, the widow of the late Eldoret taxi driver, Patrick Muiruri, whose lifeless body was discovered discarded at a tea plantation in Chepsonoi, Nandi County, fervently implored the court not to grant bail or release to two accused individuals.
Grace Muiruri, visibly distraught, expressed her concern that the release of the two suspects, Peter Wanjala and Dan Kibet, posed a significant threat to her life as a key witness. She emphasized her familiarity with the accused persons, fearing potential repercussions if they were set free. Grace narrated that the first accused person, Samuel Mageto, remained at large after being released on bond, raising apprehensions that other victims could disappear or tamper with witnesses.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Cherono Kese, Investigating Officer Michael Lemayian recounted the challenges faced in apprehending the first accused, Samuel Mageto. He highlighted the frustrating efforts due to influences by some of the accused collaborating with individuals not before the court, hindering the investigation.
Lemayian solemnly addressed the court, stating, “Your Honour, efforts to trace the whereabouts of the accused have not borne any fruit for the last two months, influenced by individuals working with persons not before this court. The decision to release the first accused person has prejudiced our ongoing efforts to apprehend him.”
Principal Magistrate Cherono, taking cognizance of the gravity of the situation, ordered that the hearing of the case be scheduled for either the 12th, 13th, and 14th of February next year with a possible amalgamation of three other cases facing the accused, however on 20th this month the court will determine if the accused who are facing a robbery with violence case will be released on bail terms or not .
The late Muiruri’s body was discovered at a Tea plantation in Chepsonoi, Nandi County, five days after he was reported missing on October 14. The murder case has garnered significant public attention, reflecting the gravity of the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
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