This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, the High Court in Garsen made a significant decision in the case of Omar Lali, the boyfriend of the late Keroche heiress Tecra Muigai. The Director of Public Prosecutions had dropped the murder case against him to pursue an open inquest.
According to State Counsel Edie Kadebe, the government had resolved to pursue the events that led to Tecra's death through other avenues, guided by a desire for justice. He stated, "It is a matter we have discussed and explored each angle with a lot of keenness, and decided that for the sake of public interest and in the interest of justice, we pursue an open inquest."
Justice Roselyn Korir acknowledged the State's application, setting Lali free pending the inquest. She noted, "If found responsible in the inquest, the accused will be arrested once again and be charged as shall be advised."
Tecra Muigai had sustained head injuries after she fell at a private house in Shella, Lamu Island, and later died as she received treatment at a Nairobi hospital in May. Mr. Lali was arrested by police on suspicion that he had pushed Ms. Muigai to her death.
There were reports that the two had an argument before she fell, claims Lali's lawyer disputed. Lali was released on a Sh300,000 bond and two sureties provided by his mother and brother-in-law, but was arrested on Monday for appearance in court.
