Kenya: 16 charged with murders at Kihiu Mwiri Farm

Sixteen suspects linked to murders at Kihiu Mwiri land-buying company have finally been charged before the High Court.

However, the trial judge, Jessie Lessit, ordered that the suspects take plea on September 21 after the submission of a mental assessment report.

The suspects, who are former and current directors and members of Kihui Mwiri, are to face four counts of murder, which happened between May and July this year in Kiambu and Murang'a counties.

The 16 are accused of murdering Peter Kimani Kuria on May 10 at Kihiu Mwiri in Murang'a, Paul Muhuhi Bernard on June 28 at Majengo Estate in Thika Township, Josphat Kibe Nyoike on July 29 at Kihiu Mwiri in Murang'a and Zakary Chege Kiratu also on July 29 in Kihiu Mwiri, Murang'a.

The prosecution told the court that mental examination was complete and the suspects were of sound mind.

State Counsel Catherine Mwaniki said the report would be presented before court after being collected from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

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Defense counsel led by Mbiyu Kamau and Evans Ondieki asked the court to allow two suspects to receive medical attention.

"Your honour, the third respondent was assaulted while in custody and the seventh suffers from high blood pressure and arthritis. We request that the two be taken to hospital," Kamau said.

Justice Lessit directed that the two suspects receive medical attention and reports to be made available in court.

"The suspects will be remanded at Industrial Area Police Station and the female suspect will be remanded at Lang'ata Women's Prison," she said.

Ten directors of Kihiu Mwiri land-buying company have been killed and some disappeared without a trace.

The prosecution team has confirmed the death of four and investigations were still ongoing on the whereabouts of the rest.

Last week, the High Court ruled that eight arrested suspects remain in custody after the prosecution requested for more time to complete investigations.

The prosecution said they had received information on the recovery of the murder firearms and involvement of more suspects.

The prosecution told the court that due to the magnitude of the crimes, police needed more time to carry out comprehensive investigations.

"Your honour, this case involves around 10 deaths. The prosecution needs more time to conduct extensive investigations," said Ms Mwaniki.