Republic v John Simiyu Wanjala

Republic v Wanjala (Criminal Case E024 of 2025) [2025] KEHC 18471 (KLR) (15 December 2025) (Ruling) Neutral citation: [2025] KEHC 18471 (KLR) REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN THE HIGH COURT AT KAKAMEGA CRIMINAL CASE E024 OF 2025 AC BETT, J DECEMBER 15, 2025 BETWEEN REPUBLIC ............................................................................................ PROSECUTOR AND JOHN SIMIYU WANJALA .......................................................................... ACCUSED RULING 1. The Accused, who is charged with two counts of murder, seeks to be admitted to bail pending the hearing of the case. The application is opposed on the ground that some of the witnesses are children and therefore vulnerable witnesses. The said witnesses are siblings of the deceased. 2. The pre-bail report calls for deferment of the bond on account of latent hostilities to the Accused in the community. In the circumstances, the Accused who is alleged to have committed femicide, is at risk of mob-justice if released. 3. I have considered the application while bearing in mind the Judiciary Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines and the Victim Protection Act. 4. There is need for the court to promote public safety where the community is found to be volatile as is the case herein. It is also important that the minor witnesses be assured of their safety even as they prepare to testify. 5. In the premises, the Accused’s bond is deferred for now. 6. Orders accordingly. DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED AT KAKAMEGA THIS 15TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. A. C. BETT JUDGE https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2025/18471/eng@2025-12-15 1

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