A 26-year-old man who has been charged with the murder of a rancher of dual British and Kenyan nationalism has been committed to the High Court in Nanyuki.
Principal Magistrate Waititu Gichimu referred the case of Samson Lokayi to the High Court in Nanyuki town for direction.
The suspect is alleged to have committed murder of Tristan Voorspuy on March 5, 2017 at Sossian ranch following which he was arrested three days later.
According to prosecution, the initial investigations revealed the suspect was involved in the murder and is also alleged to have set ablaze three hotels in the ranch.
The suspect who was in court two weeks ago has been remanded at Nanyuki police station as police officers proceeded with their investigations.
At the High Court the suspect was not allowed to take plea as Lucas Tanui a Principal Prosecution Counsel requested for 10 more days to conclude investigations.
He requested the court to order that the suspect be detained at Nyahururu police station as investigations are concluded and also be taken for psychiatrist examination.
Tanui told the court that the investigations already done provide sufficient evidence to charge the suspect with murder.
Maobe Maotsetung, lawyer representing the suspect opposed the application by prosecution saying they have had sufficient time to conclude investigations.
“Further detention of the suspect for 10 days was a violation of his constitutional rights,” Maotsetung observed.
However, Justice Mary Kasango observed that the suspect faced a serious offence of murder hence need for thorough investigations.
“The suspect is facing a serious offence and for the interest of justice the investigators are given seven more days to conclude investigation and for psychiatrist to carry out examination,” Kasango pointed out.
The suspect will be arraigned in court on April 4, 2017 for further order from the High Court.
The wife of Voorspuy, Lucinda Voorspuy and the family is represented by their Lawyer, Amaan Kassam. -KNA
