Vendor charged with murder of varsity girl
What you need to know:
- Judge tells man not to take plea as he informs him of the charges facing him
A food vendor was on Thursday charged with the murder of a university student.
Mr Elly Waga Omondi, who sells beans, githeri and chapatis at schools, kiosks and at construction sites was accused of murdering Edinah Nyanchama Mogambi in Nairobi’s Mbotela estate.
Mr Omondi was produced before Mr Justice Nicholas Ombija at around noon under tight security. He was, however, not required to enter a plea during his first appearance in court.
“The purpose of your being brought to court today is to be informed the charge you are facing,” Justice Ombija told the suspect who appeared shaken.
The judge informed him: “You are charged with murdering Edinah Nyanchama Mogambi. You are not required to enter a plea now. The offence is serious punishable by death upon conviction.”
The judge further told the accused that he needed legal representation since the allegations against him could take away his right to life.
He informed him that the deputy Registrar of the High Court’s Criminal Division would will provide him with a lawyer at the next hearing.
State counsel Fridah Mwanza asked the judge to direct that the accused be remanded for one week.
“The accused was arrested on March 29, 2012. Police have not completed investigations into the death of the first year student at Jomo Kenyatta Institute of Agriculture and Technology (JKIAT), Karen branch,” Ms Mwanza stated.
She said police needed more time to interview the suspect and other intended witnesses.
Justice Ombija allowed the request by the counsel and directed that the suspect be remanded until April 5, 2012.
Edinah’s body was discovered on Monday night by her sister Nancy Bosibori under their bed. It is suspected that she was killed on Sunday afternoon.
