The Nyahururu High Court on Wednesday ordered a man suspected to be behind the murder of a Nyahururu businesswoman four months ago to be subjected to mental checkup.
Lady Justice Roselyn Wendo directed that Robert Kimaru undergo a psychiatric examination to ascertain his fitness to stand trial.
He was charged that on diverse dates between May 13 and May 15, this year at Kiamaina Estate within Nyahururu town, Laikipia County jointly with others not before the court, they murdered Mary Wamuyu Muturi.
The accused however, was not required to respond to the charges of killing the businesswoman until results of his mental test are received.
He was arrested on August 22, this year and police have been detaining him at the Nyahururu police station.
The suspect, through his lawyer, Mathea Gikunju had applied to be released on bond pending his plea taking.
“My client was arrested last month and police have been detaining him and therefore I am applying that he be released on bond terms pending plea taking.
“I can assure this court that he will present himself at the Nakuru Provincial General hospital for metal assessment and before the court to face charges,” pleaded the lawyer.
However, the Judge declined to grant him bond terms, saying procedures must be followed.
“There are no special circumstances to warrant him to be released on bond terms before even taking plea and undergoing psychiatric examination,” said Justice Wendo.
She further ordered that the suspect be remanded at the Thompson Falls GK Prison and that the prison’s authority to take him to Nakuru PGH for mental assessment.
The matter will be mentioned on September 19, this year.
The deceased’s decomposing body was discovered by police and residents at her house in Kiamaina estate in the outskirt of Nyahururu town on May 16, three days after she went missing.
Police also found Shs.315, 000 besides the deceased’s body.
The deceased was a renowned businessperson in Nyahururu town and its environs as she operated a shylock business.
Police suspected the killers stole a lot of money since she was also tasked with collecting money from various merry- go-round groups within the town.
By David Njoroge/Ann Sabuni
