Court frees Nyeri student arrested over suspected explosive device

A student arrested last week near Dedan Kimathi University in Nyeri with suspected explosive devices has been released.

This was after the prosecution failed to establish that Bruce Ndegwa had committed an offence.

“The suspect is released from custody and the mother of the accused should ensure he gets proper medication,” Nyeri Chief Magistrate Wendy Kagendo said.

Ndegwa, a Tourism and Hospitality student at Nyeri National Polytechnic, had been arrested on February 15.

The court released the suspect after a medical examination showed he is schizophrenic.

He was however told that he would be on probation for two years.

According to medical reports presented in court, the suspect sought treatment at Canopy Hope Counselling in September 2017.

He is said to have had a history of hallucinations and inconsistent flow of thought.

The report also showed consistency with substance-induced disorder and symptoms of residual schizophrenia.

The medical tests were conducted by two psychiatrists at Nyeri County Referral Hospital in the presence of an officer from the Director of Public Prosecution.

Report by Theuri Mbogo