Kihiu Mwiri killings: 16 charged

Sixteen former and current shareholders of the troubled Kihiu Mwiri land buying company have been charged with the murder of four officials.

They were, however, not required to plead, pending a mental assessment. The suspects will return to court on September 21 for the medical report.

They include Mr Joseph Thiong’o, Mr Henry Ngugi Karuga, Mr Julius Kanyiri alias Kamurang’a, Mr John Njoroge alis Njinalo, Mr Harrison Marubu, Mr Joseph Muiruri, Mr Bernard Murigi and Mr Josephat Macharia alias Kasee.

The others are Ms Mary Mburu, Mr Joseph Nyamu, Mr Patrick Ikuu, Mr Samwel Njeru, Mr Peter  Mungai, Mr Zacharia Mutwe, Mr John Kamau and Mr Peter Murigi.

They were charged with the murder of Paul Mahihu Bernard at Majengo estate in Thika Township on June 28; Zachary Chege Kirau on July 29 in Murang’a; Peter Kimani Kuria on May 10 in Murang’a and Josephat Kibe on July 29.

Preliminary investigations had also linked them to the murder of James Macharia, Job Mwangi and Solomon Macharia who went missing on March 25, 2014, Prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki told the court.

They were also linked to the fatal shooting of Wilfred Gichana on May 12, 2014, Charles Ngugi on January 18, Peter Kuria on May 10 and Paul Muhuhi on June 28.

The prosecutor further accused them of being responsible for the disappearance of Peter Kariuki on July 1 and the deaths of Zachary Chege and Josephat Kibe, both killed on July 29.

They have been in custody for the past month.

Lawyers Mbiu Kamau and Evans Ondieki represented six and two of them respectively, while the others did not have legal representatives.

Judge Jessie Lessit directed that they be held further, despite Mr Ondieki’s complaint that his clients’ rights had been violated by their “over-stay” in custody.

The suspects are held at Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi.