[2016] KEHC 6647 (KLR)
The court found that the accused, charged with murder, is constitutionally entitled to bail unless compelling reasons are shown to deny it. In this case, the prosecution did not oppose the application and no compelling reasons were advanced. The Probation Officer's pre-bail report recommended release, citing the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2016] KEHC 6647 (KLR)
- Parties
- Respondent: Republic; Applicant: Carren Kerubo Omosa
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Kisii
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case 39 of 2015
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Case / Ruling on Bond Application Pending Trial
- Outcome
- Application for bond allowed; accused released on bond with conditions.
- Judges
- WA Okwany
- Legal Topics
- Bail and Bond, Murder Charge, Pretrial Release, Compelling Reasons, Constitutional Rights
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Respondent
Carren Kerubo Omosa
Applicant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Ruling on Bond Application Pending Trial
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the accused is entitled to bail pending trial for the offence of murder.
- 2 Whether there exist compelling reasons to deny the accused bail.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the accused, charged with murder, is constitutionally entitled to bail unless compelling reasons are shown to deny it. In this case, the prosecution did not oppose the application and no compelling reasons were advanced. The Probation Officer's pre-bail report recommended release, citing the accused's good character. The court therefore allowed the application, setting reasonable bond terms and conditions to ensure the accused's attendance at trial and safeguard the interests of justice.
Court Disposition
Application for bond allowed; accused released on bond with conditions.
Orders
- The accused may be released upon executing her own personal bond of Ksh.500,000 with 2 sureties of a similar amount.
- The proposed sureties shall be approved by the Deputy Registrar of this court.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
28 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT KISII
CRIMINAL CASE NO.39 OF 2015
REPUBLIC ...............................................PROSECUTOR
VERSUS
CARREN KERUBO OMOSA..........................ACCUSED
RULING
1. The accused person herein CARREN KERUBO OMOSA is charged with the offence of Murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The particulars of the offence are that on 22nd June 2015 at Getenga village in Kisii Central District within Kisii County murderedTHOMAS MONGARE NTABO.
2. The accused pleaded NOT GUILTY to the charge and thereafter applied to be released on bond pending her trial.
3. The right of an accused person is enshrined in the Constitution under Article 49 (1) (h) which states as follows:
“(h) to be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.”
4. In the instant case, the prosecution did not oppose the accused’s bond application and therefore, the issue of there being any compelling reasons to deny the accused bail does not arise.
5. Similarly, the Probation Officer’s pre-bail assessment report filed in court on 26th October 2015 recommended the release of the accused on bond in the following words:
“The accused may be granted bond with surety since her general conduct and character reveal that she is an honest person.”
6. Under the above circumstances, I hereby allow the accused’s application for bond in the following terms:
a) The accused may be released upon executing her own personal bond of Ksh.500,000/= with 2 sureties of a similar amount.
b) The proposed sureties shall be approved by the Deputy Registrar of this court.
c) The accused shall attend court for mention or hearing whenever required to do so until the case is heard and determined or until further orders of this Honourable Court.
d) Should the accused default in any one mention or hearing without any justifiable cause then the bond shall stand cancelled and the sureties called to account.
e) The first mention shall be on 22nd March 2016.
Dated, signed and delivered in open court this 22nd day of January 2016
HON. W. A. OKWANY
JUDGE
In the presence of:
Miss. Mochana for the State
Mr. Bigogo for the Accused
Mr. Omwoyo: Court clerk