Seven suspects who were arraigned before Nyamira law Courts pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting Mellem Moraa forcing her to participate in the Abagusii cultural rites to bury his estranged deceased husband.
The seven including Dismark Ondieki, Lameck Ogindi, Jones Manyancha, Elijah Kinairo, Zacharia Nyariki, Robert Makori and Martin Obino who appeared before Chief Magistrate, Benard Ondego and others not before the court were charged with locking up, roughing up, and torturing Mellen Moraa contrary to section 4 (a) subsection 2 and section 5 (1) of the prevention of torture Act of 2017.
The courts heard that the seven and others not before the court severely assaulted and intentionally tortured Mellen Moraa in Nyabisimba village, Nyamira Sub County on twenty first of March this year during the burial of her estranged husband. They were forcing her to participate in the Abagusii cultural burial rite of ensuring she throws a handful of soil to the grave after the casket carrying the remains of the deceased husband had been lowered to the grave.
The prosecuting council Daviv Mwangi and an officer in charge of investigating the matter requested the court to remand the suspects to prevent them from interfering with investigations and tampering with evidence. The Chief magistrate denied their request saying they have a right to be released on bond.
The seven were granted a Sh100,000 bond and surety of similar amount or a cash bail of Sh 50,000 each. The case will be mentioned on 23rd of April 2025.
The National Police Service had issued a warrant of arrest for those involved in severely assaulting and torturing Mellen Moraa at the graveside of her estranged husband depriving her of basic human dignity. The disturbing video went viral igniting a nationwide outcry for justice for Mellen.
By Deborah Bochere
