By Antynet Ford
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has opposed release of Ian Njoroge on bail, arguing that the denial of bail will send a warning to the public about consequences of assaulting police officers and public servants in the line of duty.
In a statement on Thursday June 6, 2024, the DPP noted that it was in the interest of justice that the accused person is not granted bail as the offences he is charged with are serious in nature.
The nineteen year old is accused of robbery with violence contrary to section 296 (2) of the Penal Code.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Victor Owiti, and Prosecution Counsel James Gachoka and Virginia Kariuki told Milimani Law Courts magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi that there were compelling reasons to deny Ian Njoroge bail.
They emphasized the seriousness of the offence, telling court the accused consistently assaulted a 57-year-old police officer in public.
According to the prosecution the accused had been arraigned on two different counts related to traffic and criminal offenses.
The prosecution added that based on the video of the accused fleeing the scene of the alleged crime, which has since gone viral on social media, and the fact that he went into hiding when authorities commenced a manhunt for him indicates he is a flight risk if handed temporary freedom.
At the same time, the prosecution told the court that the accused was likely to interfere with the witnesses including the complainant who will at some point be required to testify in court.
The court will rule on the bail application on June 7, after a pre-bail assessment report has been filed.