Three suspects in murder of Mlolongo hairdresser charged afresh

Three suspects in Mlolongo salonist Jennifer Mwende's murder case have been jointly charged afresh.

The trio for the second time pleaded not guilty to the murder charges when they appeared before Justice Margaret Muigai of the high court in Machakos on Wednesday.

Everlyn Wanza Katumbu, Faith Nthemba and Phyllis Nzula took pleas afresh after their files were consolidated into one by the court.

The prosecution read to the three the charges levelled against them.

The three are accused of jointly murdering Mwende at the Mlolongo Phase Two estate in Mlolongo, Athi River East subcounty on August 25, 2023.

The judge ordered that the defence counsel file and serve a response to the affidavit of the investigating officer opposing bail or bond within 7 days.

Thereafter, the investigating officer will be availed in court for cross-examination on bail and bond issues, and the doctor who filed the P3 forms for 1st and 2nd accused persons to be availed and summons issued.

The judge also ordered that witness statements and documentary evidence be served for both the defence counsel and their clients.

All the suspects will re-appear before the same court on November 28, 2023, when the case will be mentioned.

The suspects were remanded to Machakos GK prison where they have been since their arrests.

Phyllis Nzula had been charged with murder in the same case on Tuesday and she denied the charge by pleading not guilty.

This is after a mental assessment report was presented to court confirming that she was of sound mind hence fit to face trial.

Nzula, the prime suspect in the case was nabbed as she fled to the neighbouring country, Tanzania.