“Drunk” Students Set Free For Lack Of Witnesses.

A Thika court yesterday freed seven students caught drunk in a bus while travelling to Ol Ndonyo Sabuk for a school trip on July 24 for lack witnesses to testify against them.

The seven Form Four students from New Mwangaza Mixed Secondary School in Kariobangi Nairobi had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges of being drunk and disorderly before Chief Magistrate Theresa Murigi last week and were out on a personal bond of Sh. 1,000 each.

State prosecutor Stella Oyagi told the court that she saw no reason to proceed with the case and asked the court to discharge them.

Ms Murigi discharged the students on condition that if the court found witnesses willing to testify against them, then they shall be prosecuted.

“I further warn you to refrain from taking alcohol and engaging in negative peer pressure otherwise you shall be regular visitors of the state," warned the magistrate.

The form four students were asked to immediately go back to class and stop committing acts that strain their relationship with their parents.

Meanwhile, a man accused of defiling a 14 year old girl in Githurai 45 unsuccessfully pleaded with the magistrate to have his bond terms released or alternatively be issued with a cash bail.

“I have nobody to bail me out. Neither can I afford the bond terms. I pray that the court reduces my bond or gives me the alternative of a cash bail,” pleaded Mr Waithaka.

The court heard that Ephraim Waithaka committed the act on July 5. He was released on a bond of Sh. 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount.

However, the Chief Magistrate told him that the issued bond terms are commensurate to the charges leveled against him.

“For this reason, the court cannot reduce your bond terms neither can you be given the option of a cash bail,” said Ms Murigi.

The case shall be heard on September 1, 2016.