SGR suspects each slapped with Sh12 million bonds

Some 11 people charged with vandalising the Standard Gauge Railway were yesterday given hefty bond terms.

Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Lilian Lewa ordered each of the suspects to provide a Sh6 million bond and a surety of a similar amount or pay a Sh3 million cash bail each to secure freedom pending trial.

On Friday last week, they were charged with economic sabotage and engaging in organised criminal activities.

The court acknowledged that every Kenyan is entitled to bail pending hearing and determination of their cases.

In her ruling, she also cited the amount of money used by the Government in the investment.

Peterson Matunda, Benard Maina, Moses Wanyama, David Musyoki, Nicholas Muthuku and six others denied the charges before Ms Lewa.

Lawyer Dennis Omar for one of the accused said he would seek a review of the bond terms at the High Court.

They were faced with several charges among them destruction of infrastructure and dealing in scrap metal without a licence.

They denied that on May 26 at Kavinduni in Mavumbo location, Kinango sub-county, they wilfully and unlawfully damaged the SGR line.

The court was informed they had the intention of endangering lives knowing that SGR is essential to the community.

They also denied dealing in scrap metal, namely 37 pieces of box clips, 18 pieces of silver-coated short metal rods, 37 pieces of y8 box clips and 20 long metal pipes without a licence.