Kevin Kang'ethe, the man suspected of the murder of his girlfriend Margaret Mbitu in the United States, has been granted 21 more days to file a formal application for release on bail/bond terms pending extradition proceedings.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Wednesday ordered Kang'ethe's continued detention for the period to allow him to respond to the Prosecution's affidavits.
His new lawyer John Maina Ndengwa requested time to review and respond to the state's opposition to his release.
He stated that being new to the case, he did not have any documents requesting orders for the Prosecution to supply him with the same.
At the same time, Ndengwa also questioned the suspect's continued detention beyond the initial 30-day order, stating that it was improper.
The order lapsed on February 29.
"I'm concerned why the said orders, after their lapse, the state did not seek an extension. Failure to seek an extension would imply that his continued detention is improper," Ndengwa told the court.
The state opposed Kang'ethe's release, citing his previous escape from lawful custody.
Kang'ethe was previously detained at Muthaiga Police Station before he allegedly escaped on February 7, and was re-arrested a week later.
Led by Magdalene Nduati, the prosecution held that the suspect is currently lawfully held in the Industrial Area.
She did not raise any objection to Ndengwa taking time to respond to the bail opposition except stating that 21 days is too many.
The court granted the extension and scheduled a virtual mention of the case for April 4, to confirm the filing of responses and submissions.
