15 out of 17 suspects arrested last month for the attack on Raila Odinga’s chopper in Uasin Gishu have been released.
Eldoret Senior Resident Magistrate Emily Kigen freed the 15 after the prosecution failed to produce evidence linking them to the infamous attack.
Two suspects will, however, remain to face attempted murder charges.
The 15 are Peris Maiyo, Elias Kiplagat, Eliud Kimeli, Kiplagat Chumba, Kenneth Sawe, Kipkorir Muge, Collins Cheboi, Abednego Kiptanui, Godwin Kipchirchir, Abraham Chemja and Rodgers Kiplimo.
Others are Sammy Keter, Elvis Kipkoech, Moses Bahati, Edwin Chruiyot, William Samal Erupe and Cleophas Cheboi.
“As we had said, the suspects were innocent people and had been detained illegally.
“We are happy that they have been released but it’s an indication that police arrested innocent people and detained them illegally,” Titus Bitok, the lawyer representing the suspects, said after the ruling on Wednesday.
Soi Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Kositany, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat were summoned to record statements at DCI over the incident.
During the incident, Raila’s vehicles and helicopter were pelted with stones by rowdy youths who were chanting pro-UDA slogans.
Police officers, who had been deployed to the scene, had to fire teargas to disperse the hostile crowd.
Deputy President William Ruto condemned the incident and apologised to the ODM leader because the attack happened at his stronghold.
