Three plant operator trainers from Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology have been charged at Kithimani Law Courts, Machakos County, for allegedly assaulting and causing actual bodily harm to a student in the same institution.

The three, Kevin Nabali, Gentrics Shikuku and Laban Kemboi, allegedly attacked the student during a confrontation at the institution on 9th May 2024.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Paul Wechuli, the accused denied the charges brought against them, asserting their innocence during the court proceedings.

The court granted the trainers release on a cash bail of KSh10,000 each or alternatively, a bond of KSh30,000 each.

The case has drawn public attention due to a viral video clip circulating online that shows the trainers physically assaulting the student, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Twist to the case

In a twist to the case, the student involved in the altercation was also charged with assaulting one of the trainers and causing malicious damage to property.

John Maina, 27, denied that on May 9th at the college premises in Kithimani he assaulted Laban Kemboi, an instructor at the institution, causing him actual bodily harm.

A second count stated that on the same date and place, he willfully damaged a shovel machine valued KSh345,000 belonging to the college.

However, lawyer Patrick Gaitho, who is representing the student, told the court that it was surprising that his client who was the victim of a brutal attack was now facing assault charges. “This is an attempt to defeat justice for the young man,” said.

The magistrate demanded to know whether there were any efforts to reconcile the parties, to which Gaitho answered in the affirmative but said the school administration had frustrated these efforts.

The matter was fixed for hearing on July 29th with a mention on June 19th, 2024.