Two individuals, including a first-year medical student, accused of murdering a middle-aged man over two months ago under suspicion of burglary, were formally charged with murder at the Eldoret High Court. Robert Kiplagat, a peasant farmer, and Alex Kiptoo, a student at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Nairobi, appeared before Judge Robert Wananda yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court, filled with spectators, heard that the alleged offense took place on April 6, 2024, at HZ area in Keiyo South sub-county, Elgeyo Marakwet county, where Martin Makori lost his life. The prosecution informed the court that mental assessments conducted on the accused found them fit to stand trial.
Joseph Kiplagat, the lawyer representing the student, requested reasonable bail for his client, highlighting that he is currently enrolled in college and eager to continue his studies.
“Your honour, my client is a student at KMTC Nairobi campus but unfortunately, he dropped out of college early this year due to lack of fees prompting him to defer his studies,” Kiplagat argued.
The first accused appealed to Judge Wananda for release on reasonable bail terms, citing his responsibility as a father to two children who have completed their secondary education and are set to join universities in September. Kiplagat emphasized that without bail, his children would face financial hardship as he is their sole provider.
Currently remanded at Eldoret GK prison since their arrest in April related to the murder case where they are prime suspects, the accused were directed by Justice Wananda to be provided with copies of witness statements by the prosecution. Additionally, the judge ordered the prosecution to submit a pre-bail report within two weeks, ahead of the bail application hearing.
The case is scheduled for mention on July 29, 2024.
