Court warns murder suspect against interfering with witnesses

Justice Robert Wananda warned that he will not hesitate to cancel Joseph Ngetich's bond if found subjecting two key witnesses to more threats and intimidation. [iStockphoto]

The High Court has warned a man accused of murder against threatening key witnesses.

Justice Robert Wananda sitting in Eldoret warned that he will not hesitate to cancel Joseph Ngetich's bond if found subjecting two key witnesses to more threats and intimidation.

Ngetich's sister and stepmother have been lined up to testify against him over the killing of Rodger Kibiwott.

The accused, jointly with Hillary Koech, is charged with unlawfully killing Kibiwott on February 24, 2016, at Kebenopilat village in Elgeyo Marakwet.

State Counsel Emma Okok brought to the attention of the judge that the first accused, who is out on bond, was interfering and threatening the two witnesses.

Okok said she was concerned over the safety of the prosecution witnesses because of constant threats and intimidation meted against them by the accused, who is out on Sh200,000 bond.

His co-accused is being held at Eldoret GK Remand Prison since they were arrested by officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in connection with the incident.

Justice Wananda told the accused to keep off the prosecution witnesses forthwith or have his bond cancelled.

The judge said if cancelled, the accused would be detained at the Eldoret GK Remand Prison until his case is heard and determined.

"Why are you harassing and intimidating the State witnesses in the deceased murder case? If I hear the complaints against you, I will cancel your bond and order for your detention in remand prison," said Justice Wananda.

The judge adjourned the hearing of the murder case to April 26 after State counsel informed him that the lawyer presenting the accused had travelled to Nakuru for another engagement.