A school driver accused of defiling a three-year-old pupil in Katuyo, Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, will remain in custody for seven more days to allow police to complete investigations.
Eldoret Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Mogire Onkoba ordered the suspect Bernard Kipkorir Mutai to be detained at the Naiberi Police Station until May 21 when the matter will be mentioned.
The 31-year-old man is accused of defiling the minor on May 8, 2025 while dropping her home from school.
The magistrate denied an application to detain the suspect for 14 days, saying that the police did not require the long period to complete the investigation.
He also noted that the prosecution led by counsel Patrick Onjoro and the investigation officer Corporal Ruth Juma had indicated that suspect's life is in danger as the ground is hostile and the community is baying for his blood.
Onjoro said in as much as the suspect has a right to bail, he also has the right to life that can only be protected if he is in custody.
"Now that there is indication on oath that the ground is not conducive for the immediate return of the suspect, I will not assume that and allow him to go back to the same environment where I am told his life might be in danger. I have a responsibility to preserve life," the Magistrate stated.
Onkoba argued that it was in the best interest of the minor to allow the detention of the suspect and to have the police complete investigations.
"The suspect will be detained at Naiberi Police Station for seven days. The case will be mentioned for further directions on May 21," the magistrate ruled.
The miscellaneous application by Corporal Juma stated that the police are yet to record statements from crucial witnesses, escort the minor for age assessment and a P3 form is yet to be filled.
Mutai was arrested on May 12 while going about his business of dropping off pupils from school, three days after the incident.
The prosecution had also raised fears that the suspect is likely to abscond court if released before the completion of investigations.
Lawyer Obuodho opposed the application to detain Mutai and prayed for his release on bond or bail.
The lawyer argued that the reasons raised by prosecution were not compelling.
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"There is no prejudice alleged about the safety of the complainant. My client does not want to continue staying at the station and he does not feel insecure.We will not take an assumption by the prosecution, " stated Obuodho.
Human rights defenders led by Kimutai Kirui and Uasin Gishu County Nominated MCA Regina Chumba have called for swift investigations into the matter and lamented about increasing cases of defilement of minors in the region.
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