We cried about the number of Chinese criminals in Kenya and it seems someone has heard our cry.
Three Chinese linked to the Madaraka Express, and charged with giving a Sh900,000 bribe to influence investigations will stay in police cells longer.
A Mombasa court on Friday denied Mr Li Gen, Mr Li Xiaowu and Mr Sun Xin bond and ordered them locked up.
Mombasa Chief Magistrate Julius Nangea said the prosecution had given compelling reasons to stop their release.
Without demonstrating that the accused have a reasonable fixed abode, the magistrate noted, it would be difficult to guarantee that they will attend court when freed on bond.
The magistrate said despite the court being told by the defence that the accused, who are employees of China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC), reside at the SGR terminus in Mombasa, no evidence was produced.
“The court has not been told the specific address. Without demonstration that the accused have a reasonable place of abode, it would not be a guarantee that they will attend court,” said Mr Nang’ea in his ruling.
He said everyone, including a foreigner, has a right to be released on bond but the primary consideration is whether the accused upon release will attend court.
Through lawyer Wamuti Ndegwa, the accused said they intend to seek a review of the ruling or file an appeal.
The accused were charged with offering a Sh500,000 bribe to inspector Andrew Warui and a team of his investigators to influence investigations in their favour.
They also jointly faced another charge of offering Sh200,000 bribe to the police.
Mr Xiaowu was also charged with giving Mr Warui Sh200,000 bribe.
The accused— who are a transport manager, a security officer and a translator— will now remain in remand until December 10 when they will attend court for pre-trial.