This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Machakos Priest Murder Saga: Suspects Fail to Take Plea ¶
On December 2, 2019, a court case involving the murder of Fr. Michael Maingi Kyengo took a new turn when three suspects accused of the crime failed to take plea.
The suspects, Michael Muthini, Kavivya Mwangangi, and Solomon Mutava, were accused of involvement in the murder of the priest on October 7, 2019.
According to court records, the prosecution had requested a 21-day postponement to allow them to conclude their investigations. The defense team, however, objected to the plea taking, citing that the prosecution had failed to present them with a letter of recommendation from the office of the DPP as required.
State Counsel Leah Mate requested the judge to allow plea taking to occur despite the shortcoming, but the judge, Lady Justice Musyemi, averred that the case was premature for plea taking.
Instead, the judge directed the plea taking to be postponed for three weeks to give the prosecution time to conclude their investigation and furnish the defense with necessary documents for the case.
The judge also directed that the accused be released on bond of Ksh 300,000 and a surety of similar amount.
The case will be mentioned on December 16, 2019.
