KWS ranger to be charged with killing herder in Tsavo park

One of the six Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers accused of
killing a herder at Tsavo East National Park and dumping his body in the
crocodile-infested River Galana will face murder charges.

This
was revealed after the six suspects appeared before Senior Principal
Magistrate Silvia Wewa on Wednesday for mention on an investigation
report by police.

William Lopolian, Joseph Mbugua
Njoroge, Duncan Irungu, Santos Opiyo, Diba Gonso and Mohamed Kullow are
accused of killing Mr Lami Bocha on December 24 2018 at Huri area of
Tsavo East National Park.

MURDER

Prosecuting
Counsel Alice Mathangani told the court that the Director of Public
Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji intends to charge Mr Njoroge with murder
at the Malindi High Court.

She said the DPP also
intends to transfer the other five suspects to other courts outside
Malindi to face charges of accessory to murder.

Ms
Mathangani said the five suspects assisted in disposing the body of the
herder after he was shot dead by Mr Njoroge on the fateful day.

But
the suspects, who were represented by three lawyers, objected to the
application claiming that the lower court has no jurisdiction to
transfer a case.

Mr James Mouko, one of the defence
lawyers, asked the court to refer the application to the High Court for
further direction to clear any doubt.

OPPOSED SEPARATION

He
opposed the separation of the suspects, adding that transferring some
to Garsen Law Courts could be dangerous to their lives since that is
where the dead herder came from.

Two other defence lawyers supported the objection and asked the court to refer the application to the High Court.

In
her ruling, Ms Wewa dismissed the application by the DPP and directed
that the matter be heard at the Malindi High Court for determination.

The suspects were remanded at Malindi Police Station until April 2 when their case will be mentioned.