Highridge school teacher in rape case denied bail

A secondary school teacher accused of defiling a Form One student at a Nairobi school will be detained after the High Court cancelled his bond terms.

Lady Justice Ngenye Macharia Monday cancelled bond for Hillary Okeyo, overturning the ruling of Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo, who had released the accused on bail.

Judge Macharia had earlier issued temporary orders against the accused to remain in custody, pending hearing and determination of the prosecution's appeal.

"If the accused is released on bail, he might interfere with the key witnesses because he is a teacher at Highridge Secondary School where the victim is a student," Ngenye said.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko, through state counsel Duncan Ondimu, appealed Chief Magistrate Ogembo's decision.

Mr Ondimu said Ogembo failed to consider the accused was a teacher where the complainant was a student.

"The accused character is not well known and the offence is very serious and attracts a minimum of 20 years, which can be enhanced to life imprisonment, hence his likelihood of absconding," noted Ondimu.

He claimed there was a high likelihood of the accused escaping. The prosecution said the accused was released on a Sh2 million cash bail and a surety of similar amount.