Suspected sex workers killer is mentally fit to stand trial

Aston Wachira at the Nakuru High Court yesterday where he was not allowed to take a plea until February 8. He is suspected to be behind the killing of commercial sex workers in the town. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/Standard]

A 32-year-old man accused of killing commercial sex workers is mentally fit to stand trial.

The High Court was yesterday told that Aston Wachira, who caused a stir when he first appeared in court two weeks ago, was of sound mind and capable to follow court proceedings as well as defend himself against the murder charge.

A medical report by a Rift Valley General Hospital psychiatrist, Dr Njau, showed that Mr Wachira has no personal or family history of mental illness or other disorders.

“He has no behavioral related problems. Although he uses alcohol, he copes well with family members,” the report states.

In the previous appearance, Wachira disowned the name indicated on the charge sheet, claiming he was a Muslim. He caused further drama when he demanded that the charges be read to him in English instead of Kiswahili. “The court is not interested in your religion. Is that the name people know you by,” asked judge Maureen Odero, shutting off the suspect.

He was charged that on January 17, 2016, he killed Maureen Wanjiku at Freehold within Nakuru town. His arrest came amid cases where commercial sex workers were killed in various spots in the town.

The suspect was arrested on January 17, while allegedly transporting Ms Wanjiku’s body in a tuk tuk.

Police on patrol had stopped the tuk tuk after they noticed that a woman passenger at the back seat was unconscious. The woman was rushed to hospital where she was confirmed dead. Wachira’s case was yesterday adjourned to next week, February 8 when he will take plea.

The killing of 10 commercial sex workers in a span of five months caused fear among the commercial sex workers and other residents of the town.

There had been suspicion that a serial killer was behind the killings.