This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On November 6, 2019, the murder trial of Naftali Kinuthia, accused of killing Ivy Wangechi, a medical student at Moi University, was adjourned to March 6, 2020, by an Eldoret court.
The trial was delayed after defence lawyer Mbiyu Kamau requested more time to review the prosecution documents, arguing that the defence was not given the documents in time.
Kamau asked the court to give him more time to acquaint himself with the contents of the documents to enable him prepare well his client's defence.
He pleaded with the court, saying, 'My Lord, I object to this trial proceeding since we were supplied with this document today. It is unfair to my client and that's why I plead with you to set another day for the trial.'
The defence lawyer also introduced a new twist in the case by asking the court to consider giving his client more time before the trial begins, arguing that he is in the process of applying for a Plea Bargaining Agreement with the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
However, the family through their lawyer, Caroline Nyakinyua, objected to the Plea-Bargaining request, saying the family wants the trial to proceed to finality.
Caroline Nyakinyua remarked, 'We came here prepared to start off the trial hearing since we believe we have a strong case against the accused person. We, however, respect the decision of the Court and we will wait for the final ruling.'
