Widow of slain school principal rearrested after being granted bail
The widow of slain Kiru Boys Secondary School principal Solomon Mwangi was on Tuesday rearrested and arraigned at the High Court in Murang’a, minutes after she was freed on bail by a lower court.
Ms Jane Muthoni Mbuthi was arrested by Criminal Investigations Officers to face charges of murder after a magistrate court released her on a Sh200,000 cash bail earlier on Tuesday. Her lawyer was also arrested for trying to prevent the police from arresting her again.
On Monday, the prosecution led by State counsel Keya Ombele requested the court to detain Mbuthi for more 14 days to allow completion of investigations before releasing her on bail.
Principal Magistrate Antony Mwicigi said there were no compelling reasons to continue holding her in custody as it was required by the prosecution.
MURDER CHARGES
The magistrate said the suspect has not yet faced pre-trial for the charges of murdering her husband saying the court has no grounds to continue holding the suspect in custody.
Mr Mwicigi directed the suspect to be reporting on daily basis to the criminal investigation offices in Nairobi or at any time she will be summoned to do so.
On Monday, Senior Investigation Officer Clement Mwangi from Homicide unit swore affidavit arguing preliminary investigations indicate Mbuthi should be charged with murder.
After her arrest outside the court minutes after being released, she was presented before Murang’a High Court with charges of killing her husband.
MENTAL ASSESSMENT
State counsel Solomon Njeru applied before Justice Hatari Waweru to have the accused be detained in Murang’a GK prison remand to allow police carry out mental assessment and take finger prints.
Njeru also applied for a date when the accused will be arraigned in the court to take plea.
Justice Waweru directed the accused to be escorted to Murang’a County Hospital for mental assessment and be detained at Murang’a Remand Prison. She will be required to take a plea on November 29.
Meanwhile, the defence counsel Mr Bernard Muriuki was arrested for assaulting a police office while trying to prevent the arrest of her client.
