Suspects in murder of 4 women in Kisii denied bond, to remain in custody until March 2022

The High Court in Kisii has declined to grant bond to six suspects in the murder of four elderly women in Nyagonyi village,  Marani sub-county.

The six; Amos Nyakundi, Chrispine Ogeto, Peter Angwenyi, Brian Nyakundi, Ronald Ombati and Justin Morara, are accused of killing the four women on October 17, 2021 on suspicion that they were practising witchcraft.

In declining to grant them bond, High Court Judge Rose Ougo cited consideration of the magnitude of the offence facing them and submission from the prosecution which stated that if the six suspects were to be released, their safety was not granted due to the hostility on the ground.

Ougo, in a ruling delivered virtually, said the suspects had not assured the court where they will reside in case they were to be released on bond and their appearance in court if called.

The probation report provided in court indicated that the security of the suspects was at risk, the security of the victims' families would also be threatened by the said suspects if they would be released on bond and that of the suspects.

In his oral submission, lawyer Shaffin Kaba representing the accused had told the court his clients were entitled to bond terms as provided in the Constitution, adding that there were no reasons to deny them bond.

Prosecution counsel Susan Kibungi asked the court to reject the bond application arguing that if released, the suspects were likely to interfere with the witnesses and that the safety and security of the accused persons was not guaranteed due to the hostility on the ground.

Senior counsel John Khaminwa who represented  Kenya Human Rights Commission standing for the victim's families also opposed bond terms on the grounds that the four elderly people killed were women who are entitled to enjoy special recognition as reflected in the supreme law and the international laws on positions and principles of the elderly.

The hearing of the matter has been set for 1st and 2nd March, 2022.

Meanwhile, two more suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder and are expected to be arraigned on Friday, December 16.