Two police reservists deny killing Baringo chief

Two police reservists accused of killing a chief in Baringo County three months ago have been arraigned before a Nakuru court.

Zakayo Komen and Jonathan Sirma denied the charges of killing Victor Sebei, the Loruk Chief, when they appeared before Justice Julius Nangea of the High Court in Nakuru on Thursday.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offense occurred on March 21, 2025, at Lumeyek, Loruk in Baringo County.

Prosecutor James Kihara opposed their release on bond, arguing that they were a flight risk due to not having a fixed place of residence.

He also informed the court that the area where they reside is highly volatile, which raises concerns for the safety of the accused.

"The situation on the ground is so unstable. There is still tension following the death of the chief. Releasing them may escalate the situation and lead to retaliatory attacks," he added.

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Sebei was from Tiaty sub-county, while the two reservists are from North Baringo.

The reservists were reportedly responding to a banditry attack when the killing happened.

Karanja stated that some accomplices are still at large, asserting that releasing the accused could jeopardize the case and threaten witnesses.

The lawyer representing the accused, Vincent Kiptoon, countered the prosecution's claims, arguing that bond is a constitutional right.

He insisted that there was no compelling reason to deny his client's release.

He pointed out that the prosecution had ample time to present their case, as the arrests occurred on April 30, weeks after the alleged offense on March 21.

Kiptoon stated, "If you look at the affidavit, they mentioned a potential retaliatory attack and fears for the lives of the accused, yet no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims."

He further claimed that the reservists were summoned to the Loruk police station, voluntarily appeared, and were not arrested.

The court is expected to rule on the bond on Tuesday next week.