Two women charged with trafficking bhang worth Sh80,000

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Two women have been charged with trafficking 32.5 kilograms of bhang.

Appearing before Bomet Resident Magistrate Maureen Aduke on Monday, Carolyne Musimbi and Everlyne Minayo denied the charges.

The charge sheet stated that on May 10, 2019 at Kyogong area along the Bomet-Narok highway, within Bomet County, the suspects were jointly found trafficking 32.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa (bhang) with a street value of Sh80,000 using a public service vehicle – Nissan matatu registration number KBB 812Z.

CASH BAIL

Public Prosecutor Carolyne Kiptum opposed application by defense lawyer Desmond Leteipa that the accused be released on a Sh20,000 cash bail.

“The suspects are a flight risk as they have indicated they live in Vihiga, Kisii and Narok. Investigation by the police has indicated that they do not have a fixed aboard,” said Ms Kiptum.

She urged the court to release the suspects on bond so as to ensure the people standing as surety for the suspects make them appear in court whenever they are scheduled to.

“I am urging this court to also consider the fact that the offense of trafficking is a serious one and carry upto a term of life imprisonment,” stated Ms Kiptum.

FLIGHT RISK

Mr Leteipa said that the suspects were mature Kenyan citizens with valid national identity cards which showed that they hailed from Vihiga County. He stated that currently, they resided in Kisi town.

The magistrate ordered the suspects to be released on Sh80,000 bond and a surety of a similar amount which they could not immediately raise.

“I have considered the application by the defense lawyer on the issue of bail and also the rebuttal by the prosecution. I have also considered the inconvenience caused to the accused persons should the prosecution fail to prove its case,” stated Ms Aduke in her ruling.

Ms Aduke directed the accused persons to stop covering their faces with head scarfs before court as they attempted to thwart efforts by journalists to take their pictures.

The case will be mentioned on May 28, 2019.

SOURCE: nation.co.ke

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