By Peter Ochieng
Five Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers accused of beating a form three student to death will spent yet another night in police custody.
The suspects; Zipporah Chepkurui, Charles Korir, Simon Njoroge, Stanley Njoroge, and Francis Lemiso appeared before Eldama Ravine Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech.
They wlil be back in court on Thursday, when the Magistrate will make a ruling on a plea to have them detained for 14 days as investigations continue.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives argue that the five are prime murder suspects, and that key prosecution witnesses have not yet provided their statements.
Additionally, the DCI highlighted concerns over their safety, after their residences were set on fire during violent protests by angry residents.
Bilha Omulama, the victim’s family lawyer is in support of the DCI application, insisting on the potential of witness interference if the suspects were released.
However, the suspects’ lawyer Ruth Kerubo contested the DCI’s application, adding that the grounds presented were insufficient for a custodial order.
The suspects will spent the night at the Mogotio Police Station, awaiting the ruling on Thursday.
They were arrested on Tuesday, after assaulting 19-year-old Stephen Mwangi as he reportedly ventured into Narasha Forest to look for his missing mother. The mother had been detained by the said KFS personnel.
John Ambuka, tMwaingi’s father said the mother had been arrested for collecting firewood in the forest, and that the officers demanded a Sh2,000 bribe for her freedom but they only had Sh500.
Ambuka said he then informed their son to take the balance to Maji Mazuri Forest Station where she was being held.
On arrival, the teenager is said to have found the officers mistreating his mother, leading to a confrontation.
The five KFS officers allegedly began raining kicks and blows on Mwangi, while his father fled the scene.