By Andrew Kariuki
The High Court has set December 18, 2025, as the date when it will decide whether police officer Klinzy Baraza will be granted bail.
During the hearing, the family of the victim urged the court to deny Baraza release, arguing that as a trained police officer, he could use “his police skills, utilise resources available to him and the networks that he has created during his time in the force to interfere with witnesses or the matter.”
They stressed that their fears are reinforced by the fact that Baraza “is still an employee of National Police Service therefore… it is not an unfounded apprehension.”
The family also drew the court’s attention to the Public vs Samson Kiprotich Talaam and 5 others matter, commonly known as the Albert Ojwang case, to illustrate the risks they believe exist if he is freed before testimony is heard.
They asked the court that if bail must be considered, it should be granted after all the witnesses have testified.
In response, defence counsel Yegon began by reminding the court of the constitutional protections accorded to any accused person regarding the right to bail.
He referred to the pre-bail report, noting that its final page contains a recommendation stating “that the accused…” — a reference he used to support his argument that the assessment does not portray Baraza as a threat or flight risk.
Yegon submitted that the report indicates the accused “is not a flight risk and will not interfere with any witness” and that the court can impose stringent measures to ensure that he will adhere to the rules of the court of not interfering with witnesses.
He further noted that nothing in the report shows Baraza is likely to try to obstruct the case.
The defence argued that it is the prosecution’s burden to prove compelling reasons to restrict bail and that Baraza’s constitutional rights must be safeguarded unless such reasons are established.
Yegon emphasized Baraza’s family circumstances, telling the court that he is the only bread winner and has two school going kids who rely on him.
He said release on bail does not equate to freedom from trial and asked the court to consider favourable bail terms.
At the end of the session, the judge directed that the decision on bail and bond will be delivered in open court on December 18, 2025.
