Suspect in rancher Voorspuy's murder remanded for two weeks

Samson Lokayi (left) is escorted out of Nanyuki Senior Resident Magistrate Evans Ngige's court. Lokayi could not understand kiswahili and the State is today expected to present a Pokot interpreter for the matter to proceed. He suspected to have taken a place in murder of Trinstan Vooorspuy at his Sosian Ranch in Laikipia North sub-county. Photo by JOB WERU/Standard.

A man described by police as the key suspect in the murder of British rancher Tristan Voorspuy in Laikipia has been remanded for two weeks.

Samson Lokayi, 25, was sent to remand by Nanyuki Senior Resident Magistrate Evanson Ngige to allow police conclude investigations into the chilling murder.

When he appeared in court yesterday, no charges were read out to him, as police said the matter was still under investigation.

The Prosecution led by State Counsel Cecilia Kinyanjui said police were still investigating the matter and requested for more time. He will be held until March 28 when the case will come up for mention and charges read out to him.

"Your honour, this is a serious issue. Police are in the ranches combing and looking for more suspects and that is why we are asking the court for 14 more days so that investigations can be done," Ms Kinyanjui pleaded with the court.

She added that Mr Lokayi could only be under the custody of police, since he did not have a permanent abode.

Lokayi, who was unrepresented, said he was arrested in Nyahururu town where he had taken a beehive for repair.

But the magistrate cut him short; advising that the truth would only come out after the matter is heard.

In court on Monday, the suspect said he only understood his native Pokot language, prompting the magistrate to adjourn the matter until yesterday to enable the Prosecution get an interpreter.