Republic v Yaa & 2 others (Criminal Case E014 of 2025) [2026] KEHC 1521 (KLR) (12 February 2026) (Ruling)

REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT MOMBASA COUNTY COURT NAME: MOMBASA HIGH COURT CASE NUMBER: HCCRC/E014/2025 REPUBLIC VS BENSON BAYA AND HAMISI KITSAO AND 1 OTHER(S) RULING REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN THE HIGH COURT AT MOMBASA CRIMINAL CASE NO. E014 OF 2025. REPUBLIC...........................................................................................................................PROSECUTOR VERSUS BENSON BAYA YAA..................................................................................................... ACCUSEDHAMISI ST SINEMA KITSAO..............................................................................................2 ACCUSEDAMIN RUWA ND NZAI..........................................................................................................3 ACCUSED RD RULING ON BOND 1.Benson Baya Yaa the 1 accused person herein together with his co-accused st have been charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code Cap 63 Laws of Kenya. They pleaded not guilty to the offence. This Court gave each of the three accused person a bond of ksh. 300,000/- with a surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of ksh. 200,000/- with 2 contact persons. 2.The 2 and 3 accused person managed to meet the bond conditions and they were nd rd released. However, the 1 accused person failed to raise the same and prayed for st review of the bond conditions. He stated that his family could only raise ksh. 50,000/- and prayed that the cash bail be reduced. This court requested the Probation department to prepare a bail information report and the same was filed on 18/12/2025. 3.The purpose of bail is to ensure the attendance of the accused at his trial and The Judiciary of Kenya 1/ Doc IDENTITY: 39922182572388618776323245342 Tracking 3 Number:OO2HKA2026 not to seek to evade justice. The amount of bail will vary according to the circumstances and the nature of the offence, the possible punishment and the station or position in life of the accused. It should not be more than will probably secure the attendance of the accused, and should never be so large as to amount to a denial of bail. Each case should be treated on its own merit. The guideline is the available evidence. 4.Instantly, I have perused the bail information report and note that Benson Baya Yaa looks after his mother and his family. He is a person living with HIV. He is not a flight risk and has a fixed abode at Mavueni Location within Kilifi County. His family has no tangible property to offer as collateral. I also note that they are neighbors with the family of the primary victim and they are bound to meet from time to time. 5.In light of the above, it must always be remembered that the grant of bail is not automatic. It is always at the discretion of the Court. It is upon the court to weigh the available evidence for and against the grant of bail. 6.Therefore, I am inclined to revise the bond terms in the following conditions; - i. The 1 accused person to deposit with the court a sum of ksh. 100,000/- st with two contact persons. ii. The 1 accused person will undertake not to make any contacts, st whether directly or otherwise with any of the witnesses to be summoned by the prosecution. iii. The 1 accused person shall not leave the jurisdiction of this court st without prior orders of the court. iv. The 1 accused person shall attend all court sessions when and if so st required. vi. DELIVERED, DATED and SIGNED at MOMBASA on this 12 DAY OF TH FEBRUARY 2026. vii. Ruling delivered through Microsoft Teams Online Platform. ix. WENDY KAGENDO MICHENI x. JUDGE xi. In the presence of;- xii. THE APPLICANT - MR MWAWAS xiii. MR SIRIMA FOR THE STATE - MR KONYA xiv. BEBORA COURT ASSISTANT The Judiciary of Kenya 2/ Doc IDENTITY: 39922182572388618776323245342 Tracking 3 Number:OO2HKA2026 SIGNED BY/FOR: HON. LADY JUSTICE WENDY MICHENI THE JUDICIARY OF KENYA. MOMBASA HIGH COURT HIGH COURT CRIMINAL DATE: 2026-02-12 12:53:45 The Judiciary of Kenya 3/ Doc IDENTITY: 39922182572388618776323245342 Tracking 3 Number:OO2HKA2026