On Monday, two individuals were accused of killing Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Benard, also known as “Sniper.”
Following a mental evaluation to be eligible for trial and plea negotiations, Vincent Muriithi Kirimi, also known as Supuu, and Kenneth Murangiri Guantai, also known as Tali, entered not guilty pleas in the murder case before Lady Justice Dorah Chepkwony at Kiambu High Court.
The two were accused of murder in violation of Penal Code Section 203 as well as Section 204.
According to the charges, the deceased was murdered on dates between December 2, 2023, and December 16, 2023, near River Mutonga in Chiakariga Sub County, within Tharaka-Nthi County, in collaboration with others, neither in front of the court.
The state prosecution protested to the motion to deny the accused person’s bond, claiming that they had a strong case to keep the accused person behind bars.
However, the defense team, lead by Elias Mutuma for the second accused, argued that Article 49 of the Constitution grants the accused the right to be released on bond in the absence of a sufficient reason, as stated by the prosecution.
Within seven days, the defense must file their submission and serve the prosecution, according to Lady Justice Chepkwony’s ruling.
She further ordered that the first accused be taken to Mama Lucy Hospital for a liver operation tomorrow and held in detention at Industrial Remand until the 29th of February for mention and trial for bail.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) concluded their investigation and declared four of the accused innocent early last week.
