Five police officers charged with the murder of a Mombasa tout while in police custody have each been released on a Sh1 million bond.
The officers Khalif Abdulahi Sigat, James Muli Koti, Joseph Odhiambo Sirawa, Edward Kong Onchonga and Nelson Nkanae have been on remand since September last year. An initial plea to be released on bail had been denied by the same court.
The deceased-Caleb Espino-died while being detained at Changamwe police station.
Espino was arrested on September 18, 2018, on suspicion of being in possession of illegal alcohol – Chang’aa and was booked in at the station as “unknown” at around 6 pm.
He later died that night after police allegedly pounced on him with wooden clubs, punched and kicked him.
He was then transferred to the Coast General Hospital the same day at around 9 pm, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police officers through their lawyers pleaded with the court to free them on bail, with extra terms or conditions.
Justice Justus Bwononga said if they are not able to raise the bond, they can pay a cash bail of Sh800,000.
The offices will also be required to check in at the IPOA offices twice a month.