The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Erick Mutinda, accused of murdering Multimedia University student Sylvia Kemunto, has pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Justice Diana Kavenza.
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The court postponed the proceedings to allow for a psychiatric evaluation of Mutinda. Justice Kavenza directed that he be held at Nairobi Remand Prison and escorted to Mbagathi Hospital for assessment.
Bail was denied for now, pending the Probation Officer’s report. Both the prosecution and the victim’s lawyers were given seven days to file and serve their affidavits.
Mutinda will remain in custody for 30 days, with the matter set for mention on May 29 to schedule a hearing and issue directions on the bail request.
His lawyer criticized delays in facilitating the mental assessment, noting that criminal proceedings presume the accused is sane unless proven otherwise. The defense also revealed plans to apply for bail, arguing that Mutinda is a 19-year-old university student, not a flight risk, and had voluntarily surrendered to police.
The victim’s family, through lawyers Danstan Omari and Sam Nyaberi, supported the State’s position and announced they would oppose any bail application.
