Suspect in Liz’s defilement case denied bail

By RENSON BULUMA

Dismas Owino Oduor, one of the six suspects who defiled a Standard Seven pupil, was yesterday denied bail by a Busia law court amid fears he could disappear.

Oduor was arraigned before Busia Principal Magistrate Innocent Maisiba to answer the charge of unlawfully causing grievous harm to Liz. Liz’s story got international media publicity and attention following reports that police failed to take the necessary action against the suspects. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and had hoped to be released on bond only to be denied because of his past conduct. 

Oduor, together with five other suspects who are still at large, allegedly jointly committed the offence on the night of June 26 and 27 at Mulwanda Village, Tingolo Sub location in Marachi East Location within Busia County.

Maisiba ordered the suspect to be remanded at Kakamega Juvenile Remand Home after State Counsel Ben Kelwon opposed requests for the suspect to be freed on bail.

Maisiba also ordered that the suspect be taken for age assessment and a report indicating his actual age be presented before the court within two weeks. Kelwon, citing an affidavit sworn by Busia Criminal Investigating Officer Shadrack Bundi, told the court that the accused was a flight risk and therefore could not be trusted to appear before court when released on bond.

The case will be heard on December 10 while the mention will be on November 29, the day he will also receive the report on the suspect’s age.