This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
On November 18, 2019, Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai made a decision that would keep Major Peter Mugure and his accomplice Collins Pamba in custody for 21 days. The two are suspected of being involved in the murder of Joyce Syombua and her two children.
According to reports, Joyce Syombua, her daughter Shanice, and her son Prince Michael were killed and their bodies dumped in a shallow grave in Nanyuki. The prosecution had applied to detain the suspects for 21 days to complete the investigation.
The prosecution argued that if released on bond, Major Peter Mugure might interfere with the investigation due to his senior position in the army. This concern was a major factor in the magistrate's decision to grant the application.
However, defence lawyer Wanjohi Mwangi opposed the duration of the detention, arguing that the two suspects had not been formally charged. He also pointed out that one of the accused was not represented by a lawyer, and therefore had nothing to say to the court.
Despite these objections, the court granted the application, allowing Major Peter Mugure to be detained at Nanyuki police station and his accomplice at Naromoru police station. DNA samples were also taken from the deceased persons as part of the investigation.
