Four suspects arraigned over robbery, kidnapping in Kangundo

The case, presided over by Principal Magistrate Hon. Sammy Opande, involves Duncan Wambua Kimeu, Dennis Ndolo Mutunga, Wambua Kinyili Mutunga, and Charles Mutinda Margaret, who have all pleaded not guilty. 

The suspects remain detained at Kangundo Police Station pending the court’s determination of their bail plea.

Previously, the court had set a cash bail of Ksh 5 million for each suspect, which they appealed. 

The suspects were arrested after evading capture for months and face charges of robbery with violence and other related offenses.

According to court documents, the four are accused of robbing Titus Muteti Kilika at Kambai Junction along the Kangundo-Mwala Road in Kangundo Subcounty, Machakos County, on 29th April 2024. 

The robbery involved the theft of a Samsung mobile phone, a National ID card, NHIF card, medical practitioner card, several bank ATM cards (Equity, Family, Sidian, and Shirika), and cash, totaling Ksh 1,503,111. 

The suspects allegedly threatened Kilika with violence during the robbery.

One of the accused, Duncan Wambua Kimeu, faces an additional charge of providing false information. 

On 1st May 2024, Kimeu is alleged to have falsely reported to Corporal Patrick Mwakideu at Kangundo Police Station that he had been robbed of cash amounting to Ksh 4,200, a mobile phone valued at Ksh 15,000, and personal documents. 

The report was allegedly made to divert attention from his involvement in the robbery.

State Counsel Vivian Nyangena opposed the suspects' bail request, citing their flight risk, as it took months and significant effort to track and arrest them. A pre-bail report also indicated that the suspects posed a high flight risk. 

Nyangena further stated that the victim, Mr. Kilika, expressed fears for his life, alleging that the suspects had issued previous threats and could harm him if released on bail.

The prosecution argued that the suspects were dangerous, highlighting the trauma the complainant endured during the robbery. 

Kilika, a retired government officer, was reportedly hijacked and detained during the incident. 

It was revealed in court that Kilika had known the first accused, Duncan Wambua, for over 10 years as his taxi driver, which made the betrayal particularly distressing.

One of the suspects, Dennis Ndolo, pleaded with the court to reduce the cash bail, while another, Wambua Kinyili, indicated plans to submit a written appeal.

The bail hearing has been rescheduled for 18th December 2024 at Kangundo Law Courts.