By KARANJA NJOROGE
A former manager at a farm owned by the family of former Cabinet minister Mbiyu Koinange has been arraigned in court in connection with the murder of land rights crusader Moses ole Mpoe.
Nicholas Ngetich appeared before Nakuru High Court Judge William Ouko, but was not charged after the prosecution asked for more time to finalise investigation.
Nicholas Ngetich was charged in a Nakuru court yesterday in connection with the death of land activist Moses ole Mpoe. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD] |
READ MORE
Youth, police clash in fresh battle at disputed Sh5b Koinange farm
Judge withdraws from Sh2.4 billion Koinange land case
Blood, courts and a Sh5b prize: Inside the Koinange-Mpoe land war
Two other suspects, Stephen Kiamba and Johnstone Sigei, whose names were read out together with the former manager’s, were not in court.
In the application, the State said investigation in the case required forensic and ballistic expertise and asked for more time.
Crucial rights
However, lawyer Gordon Ogolla for the former manager opposed the applications saying his (suspect’s) continued detention violates his fundamental rights.
Mr Ogolla said the State should not continue holding his client before formally charging him in court.
"There is no suggestion he is likely to interfere with investigation," Ogolla said.
He said when the State initially made the application to have the suspect in custody, it was to allow investigation on two other suspects also arrested in connection with the killing.
"But the two were released yesterday (Tuesday) evening and the application before court has no merit and is incompetent," he added.
