Eldoret High Court judge Stephen Githinji has rejected an application to release Naftali Kinuthia, the key suspect in the murder of Moi University student Ivy Wangeci, on bail.
Justice Githinji in his ruling cited the gravity of the case which he says warrants a life imprisonment if an accused person is proven guilty.
Githinji added that the right to be released on bail is not absolute and the court has the discretion to evaluate bail and bond guidelines as provided by law.
Githinji further adopted the report by the probation officer in his ruling that had recommended the accused to remain in custody saying he was a flight risk.
“While it was established the accused lives in Imara Daima in Nairobi, it is not clear whether he owns the said house or he has rented. It is hard to assume that he will be readily available,” said Githinji.
The judge also cited safety of the accused following the media publicity the case has attracted and possible interference of witness.
The case will be mentioned on 17th July 2019 to set a date for hearing.
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