Aspiring Nairobi Senator Businessman Paul Kobia together with his four bodyguards have been arraigned in court on allegations of participating in the kidnapping of a Congolese by the name Blanchard Condole.
The five were not did not plead to the charges as the prosecution sought 14 days in order to complete investigations.
The prosecution added that if the suspects were to be released, they would interfere with the witnesses who are yet to record their statements
The prosecution also stated that they needed more time since the complainant who is said to be at Nairobi women hospital after suffered serious injuries and key witnesses are yet to record statements.
They add that the suspects are persons of means and influence hence have the capacity to interfere with investigations.
However, their lawyer Karathe Wandugi told the court that everyone is entitled to bond unless very strong objections are given before court.
Wandugi told the court that Kobia is a well-known businessman and he is not at flight risk hence should be released on bond.
“My client is an aspiring politician and his place of aboard is well known by police since that is where all the suspects were arrested,” said Wandugi.
He also told the court that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and his clients are willing to submit themselves to court and the police as ordered by the court.
While delivering her ruling, senior resident magistrate Miriam Mugure has said that the five are all Kenyans and that the affidavit confirms the residence of Kobia where they were all arrested hence investigations can be done when they are out on bail.
She therefore released the suspects on a cash bail of Ksh 100,000 or a bond of 200,000 each pending finalization of the investigations.
Magistrate Mugure however directed the suspects to report to Kilimani police station on a daily basis on the first three days of investigations and later as required by the police.
Kobia and his bodyguards were arrested on 9th March in kileleshwa after they were alleged to have actively participated in the kidnapping of the complainant from Bodson Spa and Lounge located on Kindaruma road and took him to Kobia’s house located along Muzima road in kileleshwa and also unlawful use of firearms.
The matter will be mentioned 24th March 2017.
