This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
On August 23, 2021, a significant development emerged in the murder probe of Dutch tycoon Herman Rouwenhorst. Mary Nekesa Ambani, one of the main suspects, has entered a plea bargain with the government and is now a State witness.
Ambani and co-suspect Timothy Omondi were initially accused of carrying out the murder of Rouwenhorst and a night guard in his apartment in Shanzu in early June. They were presented before Mombasa resident judge Eric Ogola to face murder charges.
However, State counsel Vallerie Ongeti informed the judge that the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji intended to convert Ambani from a suspect into a key witness. Ongeti also requested the court for the two suspects to be remanded in separate prisons after the new development.
Police investigations revealed that Ambani and Omondi had invested the stolen Ksh3 million and built a mansion in Kiemebeni, Mombasa. The funds were also used to furnish the mansion with various items, including a television, refrigerator, and radio system.
Rouwenhorst's wife, Riziki Cherono, has been accused of hatching the scheme that led to her husband's death. However, Cherono disputed the accusations, claiming she was a scapegoat in the murder probe.
"I am a scapegoat to save face by investigators. I maintain that the charges against me are a product of pressure by the public and the Dutch authorities to show that they are working to solve the murder," Cherono previously stated.
