17 suspects alleged to be involved in the murder of 5 watchmen on Sunday at Kilingili market on the border of Kakamega and Vihiga Counties, will be detained for 14 more days to allow the police investigators to complete their work before taking a plea. The 17 were arraigned at a Kakamega court after they were arrested on Tuesday following leads from residents. Resident magistrate William Lopokoiyit granted the detention following the prosecutor Sgt. Gilbert Sang request that the police needed more time to compile the evidence.
Sgt. Sang told the court that part of the exhibits had been taken to the government chemist and the police were still taking statements from the witness of which others were still undergoing treatment before being able to record their statements.
He also said that the deceased had not yet undergone post-mortem tests that will be crucial in the case. The case will be mentioned on 20th March 2019.
Kakamega County commissioner Abdulrizaak Jaldessa has revealed that they are seeking more suspects with the help of those already in custody. He said that the 17 were arrested following tips from locals and they might have been on a revenge mission following the killing of one of them in the area days before the incidence.
The incident that happened about 50 metres from Kilingili police station led to the transfer of all police officers attached to the station at the time of the incident after locals complained of laxity.