Court detains 15 suspects arrested over KCSE malpractice

Fifteen suspects who were arrested at Monianku Secondary School in Kisii county last week over examination malpractice will remain in custody until Monday, November 26 pending a ruling on their bail application.

The suspects, among them the school’s principal, Christopher Otieno and his deputy Peter Aroni, appeared before Ogembo Senior Resident Magistrate Margret Nafula, where they were charged with aiding an offense in the ongoing KCSE examination.

They were also charged with abetting access to examination materials, offences to which they pleaded not guilty.

Other suspects include; Irene Kivuja, Judy Nyaboke, Makori Edwin, Christopher Ogora, John Abuta, Abuta Oyancha, Omagwa Onyancha, Gideon Nyagaka, Joel Nyakwanya, Edwin Morwabe, Benard Omwoyo, Ann Nyaboke and Alex Akuma.

The accused were detained following a successful application by the prosecutor, Peter Wainaina, who told the court that if the suspects were released on bond, they would continue abetting cheating in the ongoing examinations and interfere with witnesses.

The prosecutor told the court that some of the accused persons were not under permanent employment, hence, might abscond court if released on bond.

The suspects were detained at Nyamarambe Police Station.

Lawyers for the accused persons objected the prosecution’s argument noting that clients have a constitutional right to be released on bond.

They argued that institution’s principal Christopher Otieno and his deputy Peter Aroni were employees of the Teachers Service Commission, have families and thus will not abscond court.

After listening to applications from both sides, the magistrate said she will give the ruling on 26th November.