Police officer in City Park killing granted bail

Constables William Chirchir from Makadara Police Station and his counterpart Godfrey Kirui from Industrial Area Police Station in court over murder of woman at City Park in Nairobi. PHOTO| DZUYA WALTER

Two police officers charged with killing a woman at City Park, Nairobi, in May this year were on Wednesday granted bail pending hearing and determination of the case.

High Court judge Stella Mutuku released the two, William Chirchir and Godfrey Kirui on a Ksh.700,000 cash bail each.

The court further directed the two accused persons not to interfere, intimidate or threaten witnesses lined up to testify in the case.

While granting them bail, the court noted that the prosecution failed to give compelling reasons to have the accused persons detained.

“Än arrested person has the right to be released on bail or bond on reasonable conditions unless there are compelling reasons,” said the judge.

The judge further directed that the file be placed before Jessie Lesiit on September 19, 2018.

The prosecution had opposed the suspects’ release on bail, arguing that they were likely to interfere with witnesses.

State prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki submitted before the court that they wanted to secure evidence of key witnesses which she said could only be done in an enabling environment where witnesses could testify without fear.

The two officers denied killing Janet Waiyaki on May 20 at City Park.