Ten witnesses record statements in Mugo wa Wairimu’s rape case

Nairobi, Kenya: A Nairobi court has allowed police to continue detaining controversial gynecologist James Mugo Ndichu alias Mugo Wa Wairimu for seven more days to enable them complete investigations.

State Counsel Jacinta Nyamosi Friday told the court that so far, investigators have recorded statements from 10 witnesses, including victims implicating Mugo for various offences.

Nyamosi had requested for 20 days saying investigations into the incident were complex in nature .

However, Milimani Resident Magistrate Edda Agade gave police seven days to complete investigations and directed Mugo be brought back court on October 2.

“I direct the suspect to remain in custody for another seven days as police complete investigations,” Agade said.

The court had two weeks ago, allowed the police to hold Mugo for 14 days after the prosecution sought for more time to allow them assess the scene of crime and obtain records from various government agencies.

Mugo was arrested at Gitungo Hotel in Limuru after a video, recorded using a hidden camera, was broadcast on TV causing outrage from the public and civil society that called for his arrest.

The video clip showed a woman on a doctor’s examination table and a man undressing before climbing onto the table and raping the sedated female patient.

According to the media report, the video was taken at the Prestige Health Care clinic in Githurai 44, which is operated by Mugo.

Nyamosi informed the court that investigators have obtained records from the Kenya Medical Practioners and Dentists Board, Nursing Council of Kenya, Kenya Medical Laboratory and Technician Board, Radiation and Protection Board.

At the same time Nyamosi said doctors who examined the suspect have also availed their reports as well as a report by the scene of crime investigators.

However, Nyamosi said due to the limited time they were given by the court, investigators are yet to cover some key areas before Mugo is formally charged. She requested Mugo to remain in detention noting that the nature of the crimes he is alleged to have committed and vulnerability of victims, were compelling reasons for him to remain in custody pending investigations.

“We are yet to get a report from the government analytical laboratory in regard to the DNA extracted from the suspect and various other samples,” Nyamosi told court.