Woman found in late athlete Samuel Wanjirus bedroom after his death stopped from testifying

A woman who was in the bedroom of late marathon champion Samuel Kamau Wanjiru shortly before his death was on Tuesday stopped from testifying in the ongoing inquest into his death.

Jane Nduta’s account of what transpired moments before the celebrated marathoner was found dead outside his house in Muthaiga estate, Nyahururu, was stopped by Nairobi Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi.

Magistrate Andayi stopped lawyer James Ndegwa Wahome, who is representing Mr. Wanjiru’s widow Teresia Njeri, from cross examining Ms. Nduta citing complaints lodged by lobby group, Haki Za Wanaume International.

The magistrate said the lobby group had written to him three times complaining about the slow progress of the inquest and exclusion of some key witnesses.

He added that, according to the group, lawyer Wahome should be among the key witnesses in the inquiry; an allegation which was refuted by State counsel Kanjunju Kirimi.

Haki Za Wanaume also noted that some other key witnesses missing included: Josephat Ombati (then Nyandarua North OCPD), a Mr. Chemboi from DCI Headquarters, Mr. Ongola (then Nyahururu Police Station Commander) as well as the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.

The magistrate allowed the lawyer representing Kamau’s mother Hannah Wanjiru to find out whether she knew or had sent the authors of the letter by the lobby group.

Magistrate Andayi further asked for clarification on whether Hannah Wanjiru wants lawyer Wahome to be called to testify in the inquest before resuming the inquiry on Wednesday and Thursday.

Legally, a lawyer should not represent any party in the proceedings where he is a witness hence lawyer Wahome will not interrogate Ms. Nduta if the deceased’s mother says she wants him grilled.

Ms. Nduta had earlier testified in the inquest that Mr. Wanjiru picked her up from a bar in Nyahururu town and bought her food before taking her to his home.

She stated that Ms. Njeri caught them in bed and nearly scalded her, but that she overpowered her and poured out the water.

The court heard that Mr. Wanjiru was still asleep when the two women tussled, and that Ms. Nduta woke him up and told him Ms. Njeri had locked the house from outside.

Mr. Wanjiru then reportedly took Ms. Nduta to another bedroom before telling Ms. Njeri to return the keys or else he would jump over the balcony.

Ms. Nduta added that she later heard the security guard calling for help and, upon walking to the balcony, he (guard) told her to look over and she saw Mr. Wanjiru lying on the ground with blood oozing from his mouth and nose.

She then reportedly remained in the house until police broke the padlock and arrested her, and took her to Nyahururu Police Station.