Assistant chief denies murder charges, released on Sh500,000 bond

From left, Madarini Assistant Chief Benedicto Shakhuluka, Peter Kitheyi and Wycliffe Misigo when they appeared before Kakamega Resident Magistrate Noelyne Akee. [Jack Murima/Standard]

A chief in Kakamega County has denied murder charges.

Madarini Assistant Chief, Benedict Shakuluka, was charged alongside Peter Kiteyi and Wycliffe Misigo.

The three who have been in police custody since May 29 were jointly alleged to have murdered Godfrey Khimiri on March 23, 2018.

The three are said to have waylaid the deceased on his way home from a night funeral vigil claiming he was behind a series of criminal activities.

According to court documents, the accused are alleged to have tied Khimiri with ropes on his hands and legs before assaulting him.

The government official is said to have told Khimiri that he had been looking for him for days. Khimiri went missing from that night and his house remained locked from the outside.

When they appeared before High Court Judge Jesse Njagi, the three denied the charges. Justice Njagi ordered them to deposit Sh500, 000 bond with a surety of similar amount pending hearing on October 23.