Three arraigned in court over series of abductions

By Boniface Gikandi

Murang’a, Kenya: Three men believed to be part of a wider cartel behind a wave of abduction in Murang’a and the neighbouring counties have been arraigned before a Murang’a court charged with the offence.

The trio, James Nyakioma, Jackson Mwangi and Peter Kahutha pleaded not guilty to the charges facing them before Acting Senior Resident Magistrate Jackline Wekesa.

State Counsel Solomon Nahulikha opposed the suspects’ release on bond saying the residents of Murang’a have lived in fear due to numerous incidents of abduction and demands of ransom.

“I am opposed to the release of suspects on bond as residents of Murang’a County and the neighbourhood have lived with fear after sunset following incidents of abduction. There is need for further interrogation,” said the State counsel.

Placing the trio in remand for three days, the Magistrate observed that the suspects have the right to bond or bail even as the court is aware of the fear the locals have been living with.

“They will remain in police custody for three days where the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will interrogate them as the matter will be mentioned this Friday,” said Ms Wekesa.