3 Kamto murder suspects held 9 days for lawyer assignment
What you need to know:
- Shanzu Senior Resident Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda issued this ruling on Tuesday after suspending their trial until an advocate is appointed.
- Mr Shikanda directed that the matter be put to the attention of the pro bono committee for purposes of appointing an advocate for the two accused persons.
Three suspects linked to the murder of former Kilifi Deputy governor Kenneth Kamto will stay in police custody for another nine days.
Shanzu Senior Resident Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda issued this ruling on Tuesday after suspending their trial until an advocate is appointed.
Magistrate Shikanda noted that robbery with violence is a capital offence hence it would be an injustice for the suspects to face the trial without legal representation.
“I do not find it appropriate to proceed without Julius Gitonga and Joseph Amwayi being accorded legal representation as mandated by law," he said.
"Consequently, I suspend my determination on the application by the prosecution to deny the suspects bond."
Mr Shikanda directed that the matter be put to the attention of the pro bono committee for purposes of appointing an advocate for the two accused persons.
CRIMINAL RECORDS
The third suspect in the case is Florence Mwanza Mbithe.
On Monday, the court heard that the three had previously been jailed for life for robbery with violence but that they were acquitted following their appeal at the High Court.
While asking the court to deny the suspects bond, State counsel Shakwila Ayekha said they were perennial offenders who had been found guilty of crimes in the past.
“This shows they are not good citizens and that the public will not be safe if they are released,” he told Shanzu Senior Resident Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda.
Mr Shakwila also noted that the three were linked to another incident in Ganze, for which investigations had not been completed.
The case will be mentioned on February 14.
