Loitoktok
Monday, March 25, 2024
KNA by Kimani Tirus/Lavinia Nungari
The main suspect in an arson case where a building and property of several millions were destroyed at Elerai area, Loitoktok Sub County has denied the allegations.
Richard Saloniki who appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Esther Kimilu charged with others not in court that on February 14, this year he willfully and unlawfully set on fire a building, destroying the building, drums of diesel and two generators amounting to Sh 3 million property of Simon Mutiso Musau.
Saloniki is also facing another count of malicious damage to property where he is said to have damaged assorted household items including 6 CCTV cameras, solar panels, water pumps among other items all valued at Sh 864, 000 belonging to Mutiso.
In an earlier mention, prosecution had sought for a pre-trial report, indicating that members of the public had demonstrated blocking Elerai- Taveta road demanding for his release.
Prosecution also prayed for release of the accused under strict bond terms that he maintains peace owing to the fact that the underlying emotive issue of land involves two groups in the community, failure to which the bond should be cancelled.
The court directed that the accused be released on a bond of Sh 1, 000, 000 with surety of similar amount or a cash bail of Sh 500, 000.
The court also directed the accused not to discuss the details of the case in any media platform and being a person of influence to ensure his followers maintain peace.
The court directed the two groups involved in the controversial Rombo group ranch to follow due process in ensuring compliance with court orders issued by Environment and Land Court in Kajiado.
Saloniki was arrested after staging demonstrations in early February and blocking Ilasit- Taveta road citing unfair subdivision of Rombo Group Ranch which led to wanton destruction of property.The matter was set for hearing on April 29.
Courtesy; KNA