This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
The High Court in Nyeri has once again delayed the plea-taking of Major Peter Mugure, a former Kenya Defence Forces soldier accused of murdering Ms Joyce Syombua and her two children.
On Friday, the State informed the court that Major Mugure had undergone a mental assessment, but the doctor declined to compile and sign a report, citing a need to speak with the next of kin.
Justice Jairus Ngaah subsequently postponed plea-taking to January 10, following an application by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Peter Mailanyi.
Major Mugure is alleged to have killed Syombua, her 10-year-old daughter Shanice Maua, and son Prince Michael, 5, who were found buried at Kilimo Indians' cemetery in Thingithu.
According to reports, Syombua and her children went missing on October 26 after visiting the officer in the Laikipia Airbase.
For the first time, a frail Major Mugure attempted to address the court, but Justice Ngaah informed him that he was being represented and could only address the court through his lawyer.
