Five suspects accused of damaging and stealing water pipes belonging to the Yeptoos Water Project have been released on a personal bond of Sh70,000 each after appearing before a Kabarnet court.
Dalmas Sumukwo, Julius Yegon, Amos Komen, Benard Cherotich and Luka Chesang were arraigned before Principal Magistrate Caroline Ateya and charged with malicious damage to property contrary to Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.
The court heard that the five allegedly willfully and unlawfully damaged 22 water pipes valued at Sh220,000 between July 9 and July 11, 2026, at Kamogoi area in Baringo West Sub-County. The pipes are the property of the Yeptoos Water Project.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
They also denied an alternative charge of handling stolen property contrary to Section 322(1) and (2) of the Penal Code.
The prosecution alleged that on July 18, at about 4.20 a.m. at Yemetik area in Baringo West Sub-County, the suspects dishonestly retained four water pipes, knowing or having reason to believe they were stolen.
Prosecutor Sydney Koech did not oppose their release on bond and furnished the accused with copies of the charge sheet and six witness statements that the prosecution intends to rely on during the trial.
In her ruling, Principal Magistrate Ateya released each accused on a personal bond of Sh70,000 with one surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of Sh15,000.
The matter will be mentioned on July 27, 2026, when the court is expected to set a hearing date. The prosecution has lined up six witnesses to testify in support of the case.
By Dennis Lesoite and Joshua Kibet
