Family reads foul play as Kakamega teacher's 'killer' released

AP, Patrick Oita Nyapara (centre) when he appeared in court. (Standard)

The family of the Kakamega teacher who was killed in a love triangle on March 14 has faulted the manner in which the suspect, an Administration Police officer was released.

The family has claimed a senior prosecutor handling the case has been compromised to facilitate the release of Patrick Nyapara without following due process.

On April 2, Nyapara was charged with the murder of Christine Maonga, a teacher at Navakholo Secondary School.

The officer attached to Navakholo Police Station is alleged to have shot Ms Maonga his lover then following an altercation.

After taking plea, High Court Judge Jesse Njagi ordered that a pre-bail report be filed before the accused could be granted bond or bail something the family now claims was not done.

On April 9, when matter came for mention to confirm compliance, the prosecutor told the court the report was yet to be filed, but was not opposed to Nyapara’s release.

Consequently, Justice Njagi ordered that the accused be released on a Sh1 million bond with a surety of similar amount.

The family is unhappy with the manner in which the case has been handled, saying the accused is a potential flight risk and that he could not have been released without the pre-bail report.

Through lawyer Charles Malalah, the family has termed the release unprocedural since the report was not availed to disclose the prevailing situations on the ground.

The family fears that the suspect could skive hearings having been arrested at the Busia border on March 16, two days after shooting Ms Maonga enroute to Uganda.

The Western Region Senior Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Patrick Gumo acknowledged has admitted the release was done in a hurry and should be relooked at.

“It is true that there are serious issues that were not brought to the attention of the court to consider before releasing the suspect on bond. If indeed there were some collusion, the office of the DPP will dig into the matter and take the necessary steps,” said Mr Gumo.

He hinted at making an application at the same court seeking a review of the said orders.

Nyapara is said to have shot Christine Maonga, 26, several times on March 14 at Navakholo Township, Kakamega North District.

Ms. Maonga is said to have had marital differences with the suspect whom they have been together for over two years. The two have a child aged three.