Three suspects in slain catholic priest’s murder deny charges

From left, Kavivya Mwangangi, Solomon Mutava and Michael Muthini Mutunga at the Embu High court. [Joseph Muchiri/Standard]

Three men suspected to have killed Machakos Catholic Priest Father Michael Kyengo denied committing the offence before the High Court in Embu.

Solomon Mutava, 44, Michael Muthini, 25, and Kavivya Mwangangi, 25, are suspected to have killed the deceased on October 8 at Makima location in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County.

The court had deferred the plea taking twice after the suspects, through their lawyers, objected it on grounds that the prosecution had not presented all the documentary evidence to be used in the case.

Lady Justice Florence Muchemi had released them on Sh300,000 bond each and a surety in similar amount.

On Tuesday, State Counsel, Ms Chemenjo Lokorio applied for review arguing that the bond given to the accused was lenient and not commensurate to the offence committed, but Muchemi turned down the request.

“The bond terms are proper as they were given in accordance with the provision of the Constitution,” Muchemi told prosecution.

The Judge further allowed the prosecution 30 more days to provide the accused with committal bundles and witnesses statements to be able to prepare for their defence.

The case will be mentioned on January 28, 2020.

The 43-year-old priest disappeared from his parent’s Tala home in Matungulu, Machakos County on October 5 only for his body to be found on October 16 dumped in a shallow grave within river Mashamba in Mbeere South, Embu.

Muthini was arrested in Malindi town on October 11 by DCI officers while driving the slain priest’s car.

He led the police to the house where Kyengo was believed to have been killed.

Police also recovered a knife from a pit latrine in the suspect’s home.