Owners of ill-fated Huruma building released on Sh1m bond

Five suspects linked to the six-storey building that collapsed in Huruma were yesterday released on Sh1 million bond with one surety each.

Owners of the building; Samuel Karanja and his brother, Henry Muiruri, alongside Crispus Ndinyo, Justus Kathenge and Seline Ogallo were also given an alternative of Sh500,000 cash bail.

No charges were read out to them when they appeared before  Principal Magistrate Beatrice Mosiria yesterday, as police had asked for 21 days to complete investigations.

The suspects had appeared in court on Tuesday but were remanded after the prosecution asked for more days to complete investigations.

Ms Mosiria asked the five to surrender their passports and report to the CID headquarters once a week as investigations are conducted.

They were also ordered to co-operate with the police and not to intimidate or interfere with witnesses.

State lawyer Duncan Ondimu had on Tuesday opposed bail, saying the suspects would likely interfere with investigations as rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing.

But Mosiria said the DPP did not have sufficient evidence to compel the court to deny the suspects bail adding that they had a right to be released on bond.

"Every accused person has a right to a fair trial," she ruled.