Court detains Nakuru Deputy Speaker Tonui, four others over Njoro clashes

Nakuru Deputy Speaker Samuel Tonui and four others arrested over ethnic clashes at Nessuit area in Njoro, Nakuru County will remain in police custody until Thursday this week.

Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate Liz Gicheha on Monday rejected the bail application for the accused which had also been opposed by the prosecution.

The prosecution had sought orders to detain the suspects for 14 more days to allow for further investigations.

In their submission, the prosecution argued the situation in Njoro is volatile and releasing the suspects would cause more tension, as well as witness interference.

At least six people have been killed and hundreds displaced from their homes in what residents claim is a fight for a piece of land near the Mau Forest cut line after scores were evicted from the forest.

The court also directed that Tonui be referred to Nakuru Level V hospital to undergo check up after he sought to be released on grounds that he is unwell.

The suspects, who were arrested last week for allegedly propagating the ethnic clashes, spent the weekend at Njoro Police Station.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew has since been imposed in the area following the clashes that erupted on Wednesday night.