[2017] KEHC 5101 (KLR)
The court found that there were no compelling reasons presented by the prosecution to deny the accused bail. The right to bail is constitutionally protected and applies even in capital offences. The interests of the accused's minor children and the willingness of her family to accommodate her were significant...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2017] KEHC 5101 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Republic; Defendant: Mary Njeri Ndungu
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Nanyuki
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case 4 of 2017
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Case / Bail Application Ruling
- Outcome
- bail_granted
- Judges
- MM Kasango
- Legal Topics
- Bail Application, Compelling Reasons, Presumption of Innocence
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Applicant
Mary Njeri Ndungu
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Bail Application Ruling
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the accused is entitled to bail pending trial.
- 2 Whether there are compelling reasons to deny bail to the accused.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that there were no compelling reasons presented by the prosecution to deny the accused bail. The right to bail is constitutionally protected and applies even in capital offences. The interests of the accused's minor children and the willingness of her family to accommodate her were significant factors. The court also considered the accused's limited economic means in setting the bond terms. Accordingly, the accused was granted bail on her own bond of Kshs. 500,000 with conditions regarding her residence and custody of her children.
Court Disposition
bail_granted
Orders
- The accused Mary Njeri Ndungu shall be released pending trial on her own bond of Kshs.500,000.
- It is a condition of the accused's release that she shall reside out of Maralal town until determination of this case.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
32 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NANYUKI
CRIMINAL CASE NO. 4 OF 2017
REPUBLIC ….……………………………………………… PROSECUTOR
VERSUS
MARY NJERI NDUNGU ………….……………………………… ACCUSED
RULING
1. MARY NJERI NDUNGU is facing a charge of murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the Penal Code. She pleaded not guilty. Pending her trial she has sought that she be granted bail.
2. A pre bail probation report was availed. It shows that the community of Maralal town where the accused resided with her deceased’s husband is not welcoming her release on bail. The information in that report however shows that the accused family, residing in Kiambu are willing to have her stay at their home while this case is pending.
3. The accused has two children one 10 years old and another 2 ½ years old. Those children are presently being taken care of by their paternal uncle namely Charles Maina Wambugu.
4. In the case REPUBLIC V MAMUSH HIRBO FAJA [2014]eKLR the court stated thus while discussing an accused’s right to bail:-
“Article 49(1)(h) provides that an accused person is entitled to be released on bond/bail unless the prosecution has compelling reasons to the contrary. The right to bail is therefore not absolute and it is at the discretion of the court.
The right to bail does not depend on whether or not the prosecution have strong evidence against eh accused. The relevant constitutional provision does not classify offences that are bailable or not – Bail is open to all offences including capital offences. The basis of this right has a bearing on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty as provided by Article 50(2)(a). The seriousness of the offence and the strength of the evidence is therefore, not a basis of denying the accused person bail.”
There is no doubt the accused has a right to be released on bail since there is no compelling reason not to release her.
5. Since the prosecution did not oppose the bail application and because it is in the interest of the accused children that she be granted bail this court will accede to the application for bail. The accused and her family members are of limited economic ability and the court will bear that fact in mind.
6. The orders of the court are:-
(a) The accused Mary Njeri Ndungu shall be released pending trial on her own bond of Kshs.500,000.
(b) It is a condition of the accused release that she shall reside out of the Maralal town until determination of this case.
(c) Once released on bail the custody of the accusedchildren shall be returned to the accused.
DATED AND DELIVERED THIS 14TH DAY OF JUNE 2017.
MARY KASANGO
JUDGE
CORAM:
Before Justice Mary Kasango
Court Assistant – Njue/Mariastella
Accused: Mary Njeri Ndungu ……………
For Accused …………………………………
For the State: ….............................................
COURT
Ruling delivered in open court.
MARY KASANGO
JUDGE