- Six except Muriithi Karaya were released on bond with their lawyers saying they were not flight risk.
- Lawyers for Muthethia, Kimanzi, Kariuki and Mugambi argued that the four were police officers and understood the implications of absconding court.
Image: EUTYCAS MUCHIRI
Seven people arrested in connection with the brew that killed people in Kirinyaga county were Thursday charged with murder in a Kerugoya court.
They were John Muriithi Karaya, Lydiah Mbokothe, Anthony Muthee Karaya, Francis Muthethia, Allan Kimanzi, Brian Mwandiki Kariuki and Kennedy Mugambi.
They were charged that between February 6 and 16 this year at Kathiga location, Thiba division, Mwea West subcounty in Kirinyaga county, they planned and executed the murder of Anthony Maina, Alice Wanjiru, Monicah Wanjiru, Beatrice Wanjiku, Francis Muchira, Francis Muiruri, Franklin Githandu, John Joseph Muriithi, John Njoroge, Josephine Wakuthii, Margaret Wanjira, Nichorus Maina, Peter Mwai, Stellar Muthoni, Paul Wachira and Paul Mwai.
They denied the charges before Kerugoya High Court judge Richard Mwongo.
The suspects with the exception of Muriithi, were released on bond with their lawyers saying they were not flight risk.
Muriithi's lawyer, Kemunto Magara, while applying for his bond told the court she was served with an affidavit Thursday morning sworn on March 13, to oppose his release.
The lawyer asked the court to give her seven days to file a formal application for bond and a submission.
The state prosecution led by Jane Maari said they had filed an affidavit opposing his release on bail, and had asked for a pre-bail report to shed light on the situation on the ground.
“All we know is that the ground is still hostile for the first accused person. The victims’ family members are also hostile,” she said.
However, she did not object the release of the other six accused but asked the court to give them stringent bond.
“We are opposed specifically to the application to be released on cash bail because of the seriousness of this case,” Maarii added.
Lawyers for Muthethia, Kimanzi, Kariuki and Mugambi argued that the four were police officers and understood the implications of absconding court.
Some were also parents and had permanent place of aboard and so they were not a flight risk, they said.
Mwongo in his bail ruling released Muthee, Muthethia, Kariuki and Mugambi on Sh1 million bond and a surety of the same amount.
Kimanzi was released on a bond of Sh500,000 with a surety of similar amount while Mbokothe was given a bond of Sh800,000 with a surety of a similar amount.
“Other conditions applicable to their release on bond are as follows; they are each barred from interfering or engaging in any way, personally or by proxy with witnesses,” the judge ruled.
They were also ordered not to interfere with the investigations that may be ongoing or may be commenced and should report at DCI at Kiamachibi police station, Mwea West on the last day of each month.
They were also ordered to maintain an attendance book which shall be signed by the DCIO at every attendance, and that the attendance book may be called upon for production in court at any time.
“The final condition is that each of the accused shall ensure they attend court at every proceeding on time,” he added.
The judge directed the lawyer for Muriithi to file formal bail application within seven days together with the submission and the state to file their submission within seven days of being served.
The probation officer was also directed to file a probation report with 14 days from Thursday.
Next mention was set for May 2, when all parties will attend.
Muriithi’s hearing for bond application was set for April 11, 2024.