Nyeri Senior Principal Magistrate Pauline Omungala has been ordered to remain in police custody for nine days following her arrest in connection with the murder of her husband, Robert Chesang', who was shot seven times at their Lukenya residence on February 17.
Omungala, along with co-accused Lawrence Lempesi—a retired senior NIS officer—and police officers Peter Mbithi and Alex Wanyama, appeared before Mavoko court on Tuesday. The case was heard by Principal Magistrate Elvis Micheka, who scheduled their next appearance for February 12.
Prosecutors requested the detention period to allow investigators time to complete their work, but defense lawyers Hassan Nyakundi and Titus Ngomo opposed the move. Nyakundi argued that Omungala, based in Nyeri, posed no flight risk and highlighted her cooperation with authorities, including surrendering her phone for forensic analysis on February 19 and visiting the crime scene with detectives on February 20.
The defense emphasized Omungala’s health condition, noting she suffers from asthma and would face challenges in crowded police cells. They also stressed her responsibility for two children and her willingness to comply with police demands, including appearing four times a week. However, the court rejected the bond application.
Police plan to search Omungala’s Nyeri home, with her lawyer requesting that she be allowed to retrieve personal belongings under police supervision.
