The prosecution has opposed the release of Ian Njoroge on bail pending the hearing in the case where he is charged with robbery with violence among other charges after assaulting a police officer.
In a statement on Thursday, June 6, by the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the prosecution contended that there were compelling reasons to deny the 19-year-old bail, adding that the charges agianst him are of serious nature.
"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 Mr. Ngige bail.
"The prosecution counsel argued further 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," read part of the statement by the ODPP.
According to the ODPP, the prosecution explained that the denial of bail would send a warning to the public about the consequences of assaulting police officers and public servants in the line of duty.
Read More
The prosecution further argued that the teenager had been arraigned on two different counts related to traffic and criminal offences.
Additionally, the ODPP disclosed that the prosecution added that Njoroge was a flight risk if handed temporary freedom due to the fact that he went into hiding when authorities commenced a manhunt for him.
The court was further informed that the accused was likely to interfere with the witnesses and evidence.
"The prosecution team told the court the accused person was also likely to interfere with the evidence considering social media reports that the complainant had agreed to drop the charges," the ODPP stated.
The court will decide on the bail application on June 7, following the submission of a pre-bail assessment report.
Njoroge was caught on camera assaulting a traffic police officer on Sunday, June 2.
Apart from robbery with violnce, Njoroge was also charged with grievous harm contrary to section 234 of the penal code and resisting arrest contrary to section 253(b) of the penal code.
