Judge's absence delays plea taking in Nakuru murder case
Widow Gladys Wambui, Rahab Mukenye, Alex Muhonja, James Mwaura and Nicholas Mudegu at the High Court in Nakuru on January 17, 2018 where they have been charged with the murder of businessman Julius Kimani Mathu. PHOTO | AYUB MUIYURO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Five suspects, including the widow, are linked to the murder of a prominent Nakuru businessman.
- Their plea taking was delayed as the judge was away.
Five suspects linked to the killing of prominent Nakuru businessman Julius Kimani failed to take plea for the third time on Friday after the court failed to sit.
The five, including Mr Kimani’s widow Ms Gladys Wambui, appeared before the High Court in Nakuru but were forced to return to their remand at the Nakuru Central Police Station after they were informed that Judge Roseline Korir was away.
SUSPECTS
Ms Wambui, the prime suspect linked to the December 1 murder, is charged alongside four others – Ms Rahab Mukenye, Mr Alex Muhonja, Mr James Mwaura and Mr Nicholas Mudegu.
The five first appeared in court on January 2. The court allowed police to detain them to conclude investigations.
When they appeared in court last Wednesday, Justice Korir directed that they undergo mental evaluation before they are charged.
The court suspended the orders granting them release on bail, pending the psychiatric test.
MURDER
Mr Kimani, who was the owner of Kimsnet Limited, a company that supplies nets, carpets and beddings to retailers in Nakuru Town, was abducted as he returned home from work at around midnight and murdered.
His brothers discovered his body the following morning dumped at the cemetery in Nakuru and it had deep head wounds.
The family lawyer accuses the man’s widow of hiring the killers.
The suspects are expected to appear in court again on Monday to plead to the charges.
