Five Kenya Forest Service officers were on Monday arraigned at the Eldama Ravine High Court over the death of a 19-year-old high school student in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County last month.
Charles Korir Kipkoech, Lemiso Francis Kiparus, Stanley Njoroge Chege, Simon Mbugua Mwaura and Eric Mwaura Njenga are accused of jointly causing the death of Stephen Mwangi on May 8 in the Maji Mazuri Forest area.
The officers appeared before Justice Rachael Ngetich to face charges of murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution team opposed bail applications, citing concerns of witness interference, the gravity of the charge, and the public interest.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Tom Imbali emphasized that both the right to life and the right to bail are constitutionally guaranteed, urging the court not to prioritize one over the other.
He urged the court to expedite justice by setting early hearing dates for the case.
While the officers pleaded not guilty, the judge ordered a pre-bail report to be submitted before the next mention scheduled for July 15 for further directives.
