By Andrew Mbuva.
Three men accused of the murder of three young men who were allegedly lynched and burnt to death in Machakos Town on May 31, 2026, have pleaded not guilty before the High Court in Machakos.
The accused, Christopher Mwenda, Dominic Muinde Paul, and Francis Mutinda, denied three counts of murder contrary to Section 203 as read together with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The charges relate to the deaths of Charles Kioko Mutiso, Kennedy Katuu Muthungu, and Stanley Mbithi Muthungu, who were allegedly killed through an incident of mob justice before their bodies were set ablaze.
The three suspects, represented by advocate Gift Muteti, appeared before Justice Josephine Mongare. The defence urged the court to grant the accused favourable bail or bond terms.
However, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Dennis Mangare, opposed the application, arguing that the suspects did not qualify for bail based on an affidavit filed by the investigating officer, DCIO Henry Rabala. The prosecution maintained that releasing the accused could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Counsel for the victims' families, Mutava Musyoki, also opposed the bail application, submitting that the accused persons posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses and investigations if released.
Justice Mongare directed the Probation Department to prepare and file pre-bail reports within 30 days to assist the court in determining whether the accused are suitable candidates for bail or bond. She further ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file and serve an affidavit opposing bail, while the defence was directed to file its response.
The court ordered that the three accused remain in custody at Machakos GK Prison pending the determination of their bail application.
The matter will be mentioned on September 7, 2026, to confirm the filing of the probation reports and other court documents. The hearing of the murder trial has been scheduled for June 7, 8, and 9, 2027.
