Seven suspects in Bomet gang rape to be detained for 14 days
Police have been allowed to hold the seven Bomet gang rape suspects for 14 days before they take a plea in court.
Ms Mbethi Michuki gave the directives following an application filed by state counsel Erick Waweru when the suspects were arraigned before the court on Friday.
The suspects -Anderson Kipkoech Sigei, Carlos Kipkorir Sigei, Erican Kipkoech Korir, Enock Cheruiyot Koech, Enock Korir Kiprono, Wesley Kipkurgat Sigei and Weldon Kibet Sigei – were not allowed to plead to the charges when they appeared before Ms Mbethi.
It was the suspects’ first public appearance since they were arrested in the case that has attracted a lot of public interest in the past two days.
Mr Waweru applied for the police to hold the suspects for 21 days, but the magistrate allowed only 14 days for the investigations to be conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the accused persons be formally charged in court.
The prosecutor told the court that the detention window would allow the police to conduct forensic investigations, age and mental assessment, and tracing of the victims and others seen in the indicated video clip.
Mr Gideon Koech, the defence counsel had applied for the release of the suspects on bond saying there was no complainant, no charge facing them and the video clip had not been tendered as evidence in the case adding that their (suspects) arraignment was premature.
She stated that the prosecution had not proved that the accused persons were a flight risk or their lives were in any way at risk, noting that the respondents were traced, taken into custody and presented to Olbutyo police station by the chief and nyumba kumi elders.
“It would be a disservice for this court to overlook the context indicating the alleged crime the respondents were arrested over and the public interest and outcry the same it has elicited as submitted by the prosecution,” Ms Michuki stated.
In the undated video clip that emerged on Wednesday, the suspects are seen gang raping a woman at an undisclosed location in what has caused public outrage.
“The republic is the complainant in the case and the position by the defense counsel that there is no complaint is misplaced. The people before the court are suspects and are yet to be charged…As much as bail and bond is a constitutional right, it may be limited..” Ms Michki stated.
She said “It is in the interest of justice and public good that the respondents are denied bond and bail and they be detained at Chebunyo police station (in Chepalungu constituency ) for 14 days”
Police are tracking a suspect who released the video and went underground after evading a security dragnet over another crime.
Bomet County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa said on Thursday that the video was filmed in December but released to the public recently.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.