Mt. Elgon killing masterminds accuse MP Kapondi of incitement

Alleged masterminds of the Mt. Elgon killings now want area MP Fred Kapondi and former Cheptais Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Momanyi in court before proceeding with their cases.

The two accused – Timothy Kiptanui alias ‘Cheparkach’ and his brother Kitai Ngeywo – claim Kapondi and Momanyi incited the public to torch their houses.

Speaking when they were arraigned in a Bungoma Court on Thursday, the suspects further claimed they were given guns as Laibonis (ritual and spiritual leaders) of Mt. Elgon.

The duo also accused Flying Squad officers of torturing them since their surrender to the police two weeks ago.

”Your honor since we surrendered to police we have really been tortured, we are forced to sleep and eat while chained,” said Kiptanui.

“We are ready to go to jail but we want the court to assist us on how we were tortured by the Flying Squad and also assist us by bringing Kapondi in court.”

The two were charged with robbery with violence, murder, causing bodily harm, displacement of people, destruction of property among others.

Kiptanui surrendered in Eldoret while Ngeywo availed himself at Kericho Police Station. The pair denied all charges leveled against them.

Prosecutor Monicah Nyakiba objected an application for the suspects to be released on bond saying they were dangerous to the community and that they would skip court when bailed out.

“This is the second time the suspects are appearing in court, they had a case in 2014 where they were released on Ksh.50, 000 bond but they skipped court proceedings,” said Nyokabi.

The two suspects will remain in custody. The case was set for hearing on July 3, 2018.