[2021] KEHC 2033 (KLR)
The court found that there were no compelling reasons presented by the prosecution to deny the accused bail. The prosecution supported the grant of bail by relying on the favourable probation report, which indicated that the accused was not a flight risk, was well integrated in the community, and that the victim's...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2021] KEHC 2033 (KLR)
- Parties
- Respondent: Republic; Applicant: Richard Kipkorir Chepkwony
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Bomet
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case E005 of 2021
- Procedural Posture
- Bail Application / Ruling on Bail Pending Trial
- Outcome
- application for bail granted
- Legal Topics
- Bail Pending Trial, Compelling Reasons, Murder Charge, Constitutional Rights
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Respondent
Richard Kipkorir Chepkwony
Applicant
Procedural Posture
Bail Application / Ruling on Bail Pending Trial
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the accused is entitled to bail pending trial for the offence of murder.
- 2 Whether there are compelling reasons to deny the accused bail.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that there were no compelling reasons presented by the prosecution to deny the accused bail. The prosecution supported the grant of bail by relying on the favourable probation report, which indicated that the accused was not a flight risk, was well integrated in the community, and that the victim's family did not oppose bail. The court emphasized that the right to bail is constitutionally guaranteed unless compelling reasons are shown. As none were provided, the application for bail was merited and granted subject to specified conditions.
Court Disposition
application for bail granted
Orders
- The accused shall execute a personal bond of Kshs.300,000 and provide one surety of similar amount.
- The accused shall not interfere with prosecution witnesses in any way.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
27 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA
AT BOMET
CRIMINAL CASE NO. E005 OF 2021
REPUBLIC...................................................PROSECUTOR
VERSUS
RICHARD KIPKORIR CHEPKWONY..............ACCUSED
RULING
1. Richard Kipkorir Chepkwony (Accused) is charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal code. The particulars are that on 25th day of April 2021 at about 23:30 hours at Tarakonik Centre in Kapkimolwa location within Bomet County, murdered Koyumi Ambrose Kipngetich. He took plea on 6th May 2021 and denied the charge. He now seeks to be released on bail pending trial.
2. In urging the application Ms. Chirchir, acting on behalf of Mr. Ngeno Counsel for the Accused, submitted that the Accused was not a flight risk and that the Probation Officer’s bail information report was favourable to him.
3. On their part, the prosecution submitted that they wholly relied on the Bail information report.
4. The Bail information report dated 8th July 2021 states that the Accused was well known within the community where he lives with his family and works as a vulcanizer at Tarakonik Trading Centre. That both the Accused and the deceased were clansmen and their respective families had reconciled and enjoy a cordial relationship. That there was no opposition from the victim’s family to the Accused being released on bond.
5. I have considered the application. It is trite that the primary purpose of bail is to secure the Accused’s attendance at trial. (See R. V. Patius Gichobi Njagi & 2 Others [2013] eKLR; Jaffer V. Republic 1973 E.A. 39)
6. Article 49 (i) h of the Constitution provides:-
“an arrested person has the right to be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.”
7. It has been stated time without number that it is the duty of the State to bring to the attention of the court any compelling reasons to deny an Accused bail. (See R. V. Danson Mgunya and Kassim Sheebwana Mohamed, Mombasa Criminal Case No. 26 of 2008).
8. In this case, no compelling reasons have been raised. Infact in submitting that they relied on the probation report, the Prosecution supported the grant of bail as the report is favourable to the Accused.
9. I find the application merited. The Accused is released on bail pending trial on the following conditions:-
(i) The Accused shall execute a personal bond of Kshs.300,000/= and provide 1 surety of similar amount.
(ii) He shall not interfere with prosecution witnesses in any way.
(iii) He shall attend court whenever required and shall not impede the trial in any way.
10. Orders accordingly.
RULING DELIVERED, DATED AND SIGNED THIS 24TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021.
..........................
R. LAGAT-KORIR
JUDGE
Ruling delivered in the presence of the Accused, Mr. Leteipa holding brief for Defence Counsel Mr. Ngeno, Mr. Murithi for the DPP, and Kiprotich (Court Assistant).