Slain Principal's wife pleads to be freed for her children's sake

The widow of a slain head teacher accused of facilitating his murder told a Kiambu court that her continued incarceration was tragic for her children.

In an emotional plea before trial judge Joel Ngugi, Jane Muthoni, the widow of slain Kiru High School Principal Solomon Mwangi, told the court that her four children were on the verge of dropping out of school for lack of fees and parental care.

Muthoni, who police consider the main suspect in the murder, asked the court to grant her bond so that she can take care of the children.

“My children are suffering and they now do not have money for school fees. If the court releases me on bond, I will facilitate in getting money to pay for their school fees. You are the only hope that I have to achieve that,” Muthoni said.

Muthoni has been charged with murdering her husband alongside Isaac Ng’ang’a alias Gikuyu.

During the bail review hearing, an emotional Muthoni raised her hand and pleaded with the judge to allow her to address the court.

She told the court that she is innocent and did not play any role in the murder of her husband.

The accused said she together with the deceased had great plans for their children, including giving them the best education. The couple had four children.

The firstborn, who is 19 years old, is a second year university student while the second and third born, who are twins, are in secondary school. The last born, 9, is currently in primary school.

Muthoni told the court her children, who have already testified, would not have pleaded with the court to release her on bail if they were certain she had murdered their father.

She refuted claims by the prosecution that if released, she would interfere with witnesses who were yet to testify.

“I have never and I promise not to interfere with any witnesses. I have the integrity and will in no way interfere with any remaining witnesses,” she said.

The judge told Muthoni to wait for September 5 when he will issue the verdict of the court on the matter.