Murder suspect's bail plea opposed

Nairobi, Kenya: The prosecution has opposed bail application by a businessman accused of killing his wife in Nairobi on the grounds that he is likely to interfere with the key witnesses.

Erastus Ngura Odhiambo had sought to be released on bail when he appeared before High Court Judge Luka Kimaru on Wednesday as he challenges his murder trial.

The businessman has been charged with murder but denied the charge before High Court Judge Jessie Lesiit on December 21, 2014.

Odhiambo was accused that on the night of December 12 at Waihura Court in Buru Buru Phase Five, he murdered 27-year-old Linda Wanjiku Irungu, a lawyer.

His lawyer Robert Onyango on Wednesday argued that the accused had a constitutional right to bail. "My client is not a flight risk since he has a passport which he is willing to surrender to the police," said Onyango.

He continued that since the accused surrendered himself to the police after he allegedly committed the act, it is clear that he would not jump bail nor interfere with the witnesses.

According to the prosecution, an affidavit sworn by investigation officer Charles Muthomi shows that the offence committed by the accused was of serious nature.

State Counsel Catherine Mwaniki told court that the medical report had established the accused was fit to stand trial.

The ruling on whether he will be released on bail will be made on February 3.