Suspects in Sh4.5 million Kisumu robbery arraigned in court

KISUMU, KENYA: Two suspects accused of stealing property worth Sh4.5 million from a businessman were arraigned in a Kisumu court on Friday.

The two, Ceaser Ombale and Andrew Ndege  appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucy Gitari where they  pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court heard how on November 13, 2014 at Obambo Market in Kisumu, the accused jointly with others not before the court, violently attacked Paul Onyala and stole from him property valued at Sh4.5 million.

The two were charged on two accounts for being in possession of dangerous weapons including a pistol and having robbed property together with being in possession of stolen property.

The court heard that at the time of the robbery, they had threatened to use actual violence on the complainant.

"They had promised to use violence if I made any noise that could alert the public. They kept me hostage and even beat us," Onyala told the court.

The prosecution  availed two witnesses but asked for more time to carry out investigation so as to avail all the required evidence before the court; a request that the magistrate granted.

"I have noted the affidavit summoned by inspector Charles Chemweno and I pray that the application is merited to enable the police complete the investigation," said Gitari.

She ordered that Ndege be remanded in police cells for two days to allow the police proceed with their investigation.

She also ordered that the defence be supplied with witness statements and all the documentary exhibits before the hearing date of their case which will be on February 26, 2015.