Seven suspects who are facing assault charges in a Chuka Court will spend their Easter Holidays in police custody after the prosecution convinced the magistrate to deny them bail, arguing that they will interfere with witnesses if released.
Timothy Njagi, Douglas Micheni, Jonathan Nthiga, Elijah Mbaabu, Jane Kawira, Hellen Gacheri and Zachayo Shem were presented before Chuka Chief Magistrate (CM), John Njoroge for a second time on Tuesday, charged with assaulting a 38 year woman while attempting to subject her to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The court heard that the seven were arrested on 11th April 2019 after Christine Murithi, a daughter to the complainant reported the matter to Marima patrol base after which police officers swung into action
The prosecution said that during the attempted heinous act other offences were committed and investigations were still ongoing to seek more evidence and witnesses to further charge the suspects with sexual harassment, hence the need for more time.
Arguments by lawyer for the accused persons, Basilio Murithi that they would not interfere with witnesses if released did not convince the court to grant them bail.
On the other hand lawyer for the complainant, Japheth Kiptum supported the prosecution, adding that the attempted barbaric act was contrary to the law.
The CM allowed the prosecution’s plea for more time to allow for further investigations.
The seven will continue being held for seven days at the Ntumu police station in Maara Sub County, where they have been in custody since their arrest on April 11, 2019.
The next mention date will be Tuesday, April 23, 2019.
By David Mutwiri
