Ugandan herbalist accused of killing Kisumu nurse denies charge

The prime suspect who had been put on his defense before Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi said that he was in Uganda when he learned about the tragic incident of the deceased who was his client and also a friend.

Asuman, who operated his business in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda told the Judge that no tangible evidence linking him to the killing of his client has been adduced in court.

He further stated that a bag which was seized from him by police officers attached to the directorate of criminal investigation unit on suspicion that it belonged to the slain nurse later turned out that it belonged to him.

The court heard that the said bag contained the suspect's personal belongings that included his passport, national ID and practising certificate for his trade.

The herbalist was defending himself in a case where he is charged with the killing of Ongeri in an incident that happened between July 24 and July 27, 2019 in Kimondi forest, Nandi County.

Asuman denied the charge and was denied bond after the prosecution told the court that he was a flight risk.

The slain nurse was reported missing from his work station after he was said to have successfully negotiated a promotion for nurses with officials from Kisumu County's health department.

His decomposing body was later found dumped in the forest by a herdsman, a frantic search by his colleagues, friends and family.

The case will come up for mention on January 16, 2025 to confirm whether the prosecution and the defendant sides have filed their submissions before the Judge.