Mental test ordered for student linked to teacher's murder

The Form two student at Tumaini Secondary School is suspected to have been involved in the murder of Peter Omare. Photo, Standard]

The High Court in Nakuru has ordered for a mental assessment of a student linked to the killing of a teacher.

The Form two student at Tumaini Secondary School is suspected to have been involved in the murder of Peter Omare, a teacher at Hopewell Secondary School.

The suspect appeared before Nakuru Judge Justice Janet Mulwa but did not plead to the charges. He was however informed why he was in court.

Mulwa heard that on January 24, 2019 at Barut Rhonda Estate in Nakuru West Sub-County within Nakuru County, he allegedly killed Omare, a Physics and Computer Science teacher.

The student, through lawyer Peter Bore, in an application sought to be admitted on bond pending plea taking.

In his application lawyer Bore informed the court that the offence of murder is bailable.

He argued that his client is ready to avail himself in court when required.

“The suspect is ready to avail himself in court until the matter is heard and determined,” said Bore.

According to the lawyer the student, since his arrest a week ago, has been cooperative and assisted the investigating officer in the case.

The court also heard that the student was not a flight risk since he has no passport.

“He is a student and his home well known. He has no passport and chances of him escaping from jurisdiction of court are minimal,” said the lawyer who added that his client is ready to go back to school.

The court declined to admit the application, adding that it was too early to request bail. No mental assessment had been done on him.

Prosecutor Joyce Serling asked the court to order that the suspect be escorted to Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital for mental assessment. She also sought that the student be remanded at Nakuru GK Prison.

“I have declined application for bail, accused to be taken to Nakuru GK prison for mental assessment and remanded at Nakuru GK prison,” ruled Justice Mulwa.

Plea taking was deferred to February 12, 2019.

Omare was allegedly attacked by two students after confiscating their mobile phone.

The teacher was attacked while on the way to his house.