Tiaty MP William Kasait Kamket has been released on 500,000sh police bond by a court in Nakuru.
The Director of Public Prosecutions had sought 14 days to hold Kamket as they concluded investigations over his alleged involvement in the skirmishes in Ol Moran, Laikipia county.
The MP who was arrested on Wednesday was being detained in police custody at Kaptembwo police station for two days pending the ruling on the application.
In her ruling, however, Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate Lillian Arika found no merit in the application to have the suspect detained without being charged in court.
“I am not satisfied that there are any exceptional circumstances to warrant placing the respondent in custody without bail. In this case, the application for custodial orders fails,” she noted.
“The court must always seek to strike a balance in protecting the liberty of the individual and safeguarding proper administration of Justice.”
The magistrate, however, issued strict terms for the MP to comply with during the period of investigations.
The conditions include being barred from visiting his Tiaty home, making public utterances likely to incite people, remain at his Nakuru home and appear at DCI offices in Nakuru when needed.
In a sworn affidavit by Superintendent of police Stephen Ambani, Kamket is being investigated for offences of murder, robbery with violence, stock theft, malicious damage to property and incitement.
The police argued that they have reasons to believe the MP was involved in the planning and coordination of the violence in Laikipia County.
Kamket's lawyer Kipkoech Ngetich while agreeing with the court’s decision, said the accused person had the right to have his freedom as the investigation continues.
“We agree with this decision because investigations are not yet complete, they’re no reasons for arresting suspects without evidence and later sought to detain them without preferring charges,” Ngetich said.
However, he assured the court that his client will comply with the court's directives.
The case will be mentioned on Tuesday 14th September 2021 at 8.30 am.
Edited by D Tarus
