An Eldoret court has released 15 of the 17 suspects arrested over the stoning of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s chopper in Kabenes, Uasin Gishu County almost a fortnight ago.

Their release came after the prosecution said it has no case against the 15 suspects and the Senior Resident Magistrate Emily Kigen ordered their unconditional release.

However, Kigen ordered that the remaining 2 suspects appear in court and take a plea.

The lawyer representing the accused Titus Bitok welcomed the move and expressed their happiness in the development.

"We are happy that they have been released, but it's an indication that police arrested innocent people and detained them illegally," Bitok said.

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The parents of the freed suspects also welcomed the release of their children and echoed prior apologies over the incident.

However, the parents, led by one Hellen Barmoiben faulted the authorities for hastily arresting innocent people before conducting proper investigations.

"We still apologize to Odinga over what happened but police rushed to arrest innocent people without first carrying out proper investigations," Barmoiben said.

Police arrested Rodgers Kiplimo (age 38), Justin Kipkorir Muge (aged 30), Kenneth Kipkogei Sawe (age 30), William Samal Erupe (age 41), Cleophas Cheboi (age 35), Eliud Kimeli Keiyo (age 27), Elias Kiplagat (age 22), Abednego Kemboi (age 32), Elvis Kipkoech (age 25), Moses Mbadi (age 22), Sammy Keter, (age 30), Edwin Cheruiyot (age 24), Peris Maiyo Keiyo (age 28), Elvas Kipchumba (age 21) and three others.

Last week, the prosecution asked the court to have the suspects detained as it conducted further investigations. Kigen obliged saying it would be beneficial to some suspects.

"In fact, it's for their benefit that some of the suspects may not be charged, hence the need for time to allow the prosecution complete investigations," Kigen said.

The suspected were suspected of being part of rowdy youth who attacked Raila and his entourage when they went to attend the funeral of the late Mzee Jackson Kibor.