A police officer accused of fatally shooting two people at Jua Kali in Uasin Gishu has been arraigned before a court in Eldoret.
Erick Kirui appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Onkoba Mogire, where police sought to detain him for 14 days pending investigations.
The prosecution, led by Erick Kiama, opposed bail, stating that the suspect was a flight risk and investigations were still ongoing.
Kirui is under investigation in connection with the deaths of Carolyne Malakwen and Ignatius Kipchumba at a pub in Jua Kali on June 26, 2025.
Kiama told the court that although the accused had a right to bail, the seriousness of the matter warranted caution.
“The court must look at the gravity of the matter before making a decision on bail,” he said.
He further submitted that the accused is a police officer and that remaining in custody would also serve his own safety.
He added that statements from key witnesses had not yet been recorded and that the firearm allegedly used in the incident had yet to undergo ballistic analysis.
However, defence lawyer Stephen Ombego opposed the application to hold the suspect, arguing that Kirui is a police officer with a known place of residence.
Ombego told the court that the accused lived with one of the deceased and paid rent at the residence.
He argued that the 14-day detention period sought was excessive and that the suspect had no influence over the ballistic examination process.
“Just because police have not completed investigations is not reason enough to deny my client his right to bail,” said Ombego.
Magistrate Onkoba said a ruling on the police application to detain the suspect would be delivered on July 2, 2025.
A police report indicated that officers responded to reports from the public about a man allegedly armed with a firearm.
The scene was visited by the OCS Jua Kali, together with officers from Sugoi Patrol Base, who identified the suspect as PC Erick Kirui of Tembelio Police Station, Moiben Sub-County.
According to the report, the suspect was disarmed and arrested at the scene.
One individual, identified as Antony Stephen Mbifa, reportedly sustained a head injury during the incident.
