Wanjala murder case adjourned after lawyer quits

The High Court in Eldoret has adjourned the hearing of a murder case against suspected serial killer Evans Wanjala after his lawyer opted out of the case.

The prosecution said the advocate appointed to represent Wanjala pro bono had on several occasions failed to show up before finally writing to bail out of the case.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi directed that the court appoints another advocate to represent the accused on a pro bono basis.

"Another advocate should be appointed to represent the accused person. The case is to be mentioned on March 16 to confirm the appointment of a new advocate before the hearing of the matter begins," directed Justice Nyakundi.

The law requires that a person accused of murder be represented by an advocate, either hired by the accused or appointed by the court if one cannot afford legal fees.

When the case came up for hearing last year, the prosecution said it was ready to proceed with the case since the witnesses were ready to testify.

However, Wanjala, 35, had told the judge that he did not know who his advocate was. He is said to be behind the murder of five minors from Moi's Bridge area in Uasin Gishu between 2019 and 2021 although two of the murder allegations are still under investigation.

In February 2020, the court refused to release him on bail or bond for the second time, directing that he be held at remand prison instead.