MP William Kamket detained for two days amid probe into Laikipia violence

Tiaty MP William Kamket will have to remain in custody for two more days before the court decides on his bond terms.

He was charged Tuesday in Nakuru with uttering words aimed at inciting hatred among different communities living on Ol Moran, Laikipia County.

The charge sheet produced in court indicated that during a meeting held on July 16, 2021 in Amaya, Tiaty Constituency in Baringo County, the MP uttered words that were aimed at perpetrating hatred between different communities in Ol Moran area.

Mr Kamket denied the charge.

Nakuru chief magistrate Elizabeth Usui directed that Mr Kamket be held in custody for the period of time to allow her time to consider submissions for his bond application.

Through his lawyer Kipkoech Ng'etich, Mr Kamket wanted the court to extend the Sh 500,000 bails tha had been issued earlier for his release.

Mr Ng'etich said his client was willing to abide by all the conditions that the court would give for his freedom.

According to the lawyer, the said incitful statements were made in July yet the violence broke out in September. He argued that it was unfair to punish his client for the failures of security systems in Laikipia.

“Our client will not go to Laikipia, he has not gone there since the orders were issued and is also not willing to talk to the public. We urge the court to grant bail with bond terms similar to the ones issued earlier,” said Mr Ng’etich

The MP opposed the application by the prosecution to deny him freedom on bond.

Through state counsel Alloys Kemo, the prosecution argued that the MP is likely to interfere with witnesses if released on bond.

Mr Kemo told the court that the attacks in Laikipia have escalated because of his utterances and that he is in a position to suppress evidence.

"The police need time to unearth the conspiracy behind the violence since the manner in which the attacks were conducted shows evidence of planning and choreographing."

Mr Kamket was arrested last week at his Baringo home in connection with the violence in Ol Moran, Laikipia County.

He was transferred to Nakuru where he spent two days in custody at Kaptembwo police station before he was released on Sh500,000 bail, pending conclusion of police investigations.