Two police officers in City Park Murder freed on bail

Benard Chege, who survived an incident where his companion died after a shootout at City Park.

Two police officers facing murder charges following the killing of a woman at Nairobi's City Park have been released on bail.

William Kipkorir Chirchir and Godfrey Kipng’etich Kirui were freed on Sh2 million bond plus one surety of Sh1 million or Sh700, 000 cash bail each.

The officers are jointly charged with the murder of Janet Wangui Waiyaki on May 20. They denied the charges on June 11.

High Court judge Stella Mutuku said prosecution failed to table evidence to prove that they would abscond if released.

“The apprehension by the prosecution that the accused will interfere with the witnesses or abscond is not backed by persuasive evidence to lead me to finding that there are compelling reasons against granting this application,” said Ms Mutuku.

She said she appreciated that the rights of the victims must be taken into account by ensuring the accused persons faced trial over the allegations so that the court could determine whether they were guilty or not.

“I will allow the application by the defense to have the two officers released on bond, but with conditions,” said Mutuku.

After they were charged, the duo, through lawyer Ham Langat, requested to be freed on bail.

Mr Langat said: “My clients have been brought to this court not as police officers but as accused persons. Every accused person has a right to be released on bail.”