Court orders release of bar owner facing charges over 17 deaths in Kirinyaga

A Kirinyaga Court has granted bond to the owner of the bar where 17 people died after consuming illicit brew at Kangai and Mutithi villages in Mwea-West Sub-County.

John Muriithi Karaya, the owner of California Bar, was released by Kerugoya Law Courts Justice Richard Mwongo on a bond of Ksh.1 million, with a surety of the same amount. His case will be mentioned on January 16, 2024.

Karaya, through his lawyer Kemunto Magara, had initially filed a bond application on April 11, 2024, but his request was dismissed. However, he was informed that the application could be reconsidered after seven witnesses had been heard within 60 to 90 days from that date.

Karaya faces the first charge of causing the deaths of 17 people in Kangai and Mutithi villages in Mwea West Sub-county, and the second charge of stealing exhibits locked at Kiamaciri Police Station.

He was initially charged alongside his brother Anthony Muthee, the owner of Muiguru Bar, Lydiah Wanjiru, and police officers from Kiamaciri Police Station: Francis Mutethia, Allan Kimanzi, Brian Kariuki, and Kennedy Mugambi. They were all released on bond on April 12, 2024.

Muriithi's lawyer, Kemunto Magara, said that his client will comply with the court's instructions to reside outside Kirinyaga County’s jurisdiction.