Eldoret: Ex-Police Officer Charged in Wife’s 2019 Murder
Benard Ndege, 46, a former police constable, stands trial at the Eldoret High Court for allegedly murdering his estranged wife, Fenny Bosibori, in a 2019 shooting incident near Soy Police Station.
Former Police Constable Benard Ndege, 46, appears before the Eldoret High Court, facing charges of fatally shooting his wife, Fenny Bosibori.
Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi has ruled that Benard Ndege, a 46-year-old police constable accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, Fenny Bosibori, in 2019, has a case to answer. The decision follows the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, which involved testimony from 15 witnesses, including the couple’s youngest child, who witnessed the tragic incident.
Justice Nyakundi stated, “The prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused, necessitating him to defend himself.”
The Fatal Night
The court heard that on March 10, 2019, Ndege allegedly used an AK-47 rifle to shoot Bosibori, 42, in their home adjacent to the Soy Police Station in Uasin Gishu County. According to testimony, Ndege fired 11 bullets, killing Bosibori instantly. At the time of the incident, Ndege was a duty officer at Baharini Police Station, along the Eldoret-Webuye highway.
Police Officer Cosmas Ingosi, who was on night duty at the report office, provided critical testimony. He told the court that Ndege, after allegedly committing the crime during a blackout, approached him armed and declared his actions.
“My former colleague came to the report desk and said he had killed his wife. He insisted on speaking only to a senior officer of inspector rank or higher,” Ingosi recalled.
Ingosi further testified, “I heard gunshots from the police line but waited for the noise to subside out of fear. Later, I learned that the accused had used his firearm to end his wife’s life following a domestic altercation.”
Evidence presented to the court revealed that only 19 bullets remained in the rifle, which had initially been loaded with 30 rounds.
Trial Drama and Bail Revocation
The case has been fraught with legal drama. Five months ago, Ndege’s lawyer, Danstone Omari, withdrew his representation, citing personal reasons. This move followed a ruling by Justice Nyakundi canceling the Sh500,000 bail granted to the accused three years prior. The bail revocation was prompted by Ndege’s repeated failure to attend court hearings, which led to his detention.
State Counsel Mark Mugun argued for the cancellation of bail, noting that Ndege had been held in Kisii Police Station on charges unrelated to the murder case. “Your Lordship, I pray that you cancel his bond and issue a production order for him to be transferred to Eldoret GK Remand Prison,” Mugun said.
The court granted the application, ordering Ndege’s transfer to Eldoret GK Remand Prison, where he remains in custody pending the conclusion of the trial.
Next Steps in the Case
Ndege will be required to present his defense on December 16, 2024, after which the court will deliberate on a final verdict. Prosecutors have expressed confidence in the evidence presented, while the defense’s strategy remains to be seen.
About Author
