Two charged with vandalising standard gauge railway
Some of the 11 people who were arrested in connection to vandalism of the Standard Gauge Railway at a Mombasa court on June 9, 2017. Two more people have been charged with the same offence. PHOTO | PHILIP MUYANGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The number of suspects arrested in connection with the destruction of the new railway line has risen to 13.
- Athanus Mwanzia Pius and Samuel Kamau Maina who appeared before Mombasa Senior Principal Magistrate Francis Kyambia and denied the charges.
Two more people have been charged with vandalising the standard gauge railway (SGR).
The two were charged with sabotage, destruction of infrastructure and engaging in organised crime.
This brings to 13 the number of suspects arrested in connection with the destruction of the new railway line.
Appearing before Mombasa Senior Principal Magistrate Francis Kyambia, Athanus Mwanzia Pius and Samuel Kamau Maina, denied the charges.
HELD IN CUSTORY
Senior prosecuting counsel Eric Masila told the court an investigation officer has sworn an affidavit stating the suspects be held in custody for days to allow him complete investigations.
He also told the court that in the event the two are granted bond, the court should consider giving each one of them Sh 3 million cash bail or a surety bond of Sh 6 million, similar to one granted to the other 11 suspects who were released on Monday.
Mr Masila also told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions is seeking to apply to have the case of the two suspects consolidated with that of the other 11 suspects that is due for mention on June 19, 2017.
Magistrate Kyambia, however, directed that the case be mentioned on June 14, 2017 to make a ruling on whether to release the two suspects on bond or not.
DENIED CHARGES
The court heard that the accused, jointly with others not before court, with the intention of endangering lives, damaged the SGR knowing that such an act would impair its usefulness in providing essential services to the community.
The accused also allegedly acted jointly in the commission of destruction of infrastructure for purpose of obtaining financial benefits.
According to the prosecution, the offences were committed on May 26 at Kavinduni area, Kinango, Kwale County.
FACED SIMILAR CHARGES
On Tuesday, 11 people, who faced with similar charges, were released on a Sh 3 million cash bail each with a surety of Sh6 million each.
The accused are Peterson Senteu, Theophilas Mwongela, Bernard Maina, Joseph Mbugua, James Ndichu, Wilbrod Omondi, Joel Kabiru, Mugi Nyaga, Moses Wanyama, David Musyoki and Nicholas Muthuku.
