The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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On Monday, two suspects appeared in court facing charges related to the murder of Daniel Muthiani Benard, known as ‘Sniper,’ a blogger from Meru.
Vincent Muriithi Kirimi, also known as Supuu, and Kenneth Murangiri Guantai, known as Tali, entered pleas of not guilty to the murder charges presented before Lady Justice Dorah Chepkwony at Kiambu High Court, following a mental assessment to ascertain their fitness for trial and plea taking.
The charges brought against them were for murder, as stipulated in Section 203 alongside Section 204 of the Penal Code. According to the charges, between the 2nd and 16th of December 2023, at River Mutonga in Chiakariga Sub County within Tharaka-Nthi County, the two, together with others not yet brought before the court, are accused of committing the murder.
The state prosecution objected to the application for bail, citing compelling reasons for the accused persons not to be released. However, the defense, led by Elias Mutuma for the second accused, argued that Article 49 of the Constitution guarantees the right of the accused to be granted bail without any compelling reasons, as suggested by the prosecution.
In her ruling, Lady Justice Chepkwony instructed the defense to submit their arguments and serve the prosecution within seven days. She also ordered that the first accused undergo a liver operation at Mama Lucy Hospital the following day and remain in custody at Industrial Remand until the 29th of February for mention and trial regarding bail.
Earlier in the week, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) had released four suspects after completing their investigation and finding them innocent.
