Baringo health chief officer in court over SMS that said ‘leo nitakumaliza’

Dr. Gideon Toromo, Baringo’s health chief officer, was arraigned in court after he was accused of threatening to kill and assault causing bodily harm.

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He was arraigned before Resident Magistrate Vienna Amboko on Thursday.

The prosecution told the court that on November 25, 2020, the officer wrote a text message to one Francis Kibenei Ayabei (who works at the Baringo county government pay roll section) saying: “LEO NITAKUMALIZA.”

Dr. Toromo however denied the charges and through his lawyer Solomon Chepkilot asked the court to grant him bond.

The lawyer told the court that the officer was under medication for a disease he did not disclose and retaining him in police custody would also expose him to the risk of contracting COVID-19.

The magistrate released him on bond of Ksh. 70,000 with a surety of the same amount.

Hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2021.

Section 223 provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment while assault causing actual bodily harm provides for 5 years imprisonment.

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