Suspects behind rape and murder of granny charged

Siaya,

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

KNA by Philip Onyango

A month-long push for justice for a 79 year old woman who was raped and killed in Masala sub location in Central Uyoma location saw two suspects who had earlier been released by the police following the recommendation of the office of the director of public prosecution appear in court today.

Jacinta Adhiambo and Michael Nyawanda were arraigned before Siaya high court judge, Daniel Ogembo charged that July, 30 this year at around 2300 hours at Masala central village in Masala sub location, Rarieda sub-county, they murdered Mathilda Owuor Okumu.

The accused persons, who were represented by Judith Owenga and Ochanyo advocates, however denied the charges and applied for bail.

However, the prosecution, led by Peter Kubebea opposed their application, arguing that the community was hostile and could harm them.

Justice Ogembo rejected their application and ruled that witness statements, medical reports and pieces of evidence be submitted before the court before 20th September when the cases shall be mentioned.

According to the Masala community lawyer, Stephen Ombego who welcomed the judge’s decision to deny the accused bail, they had to push for the duo to be brought to justice after they were left off the hook on the recommendations of the ODPP despite strong evidence by one of their accomplices who had been charged earlier.

Ombego who was speaking to the media at the Siaya law courts while in company of members of the community, said they had to petition the ODPP to review its recommendations, given the evidence and the fact that the duo was celebrating and boasting in the village that they had used the money to buy freedom and there was nothing that the community would do.

“This lady was staying alone and was murdered in cold blood after his killers stole a bag of maize and her chicken and raped her,” said the lawyer.

 He said he would apply for the consolidation of the case together with another one where one of the accomplices was charged alone.

Courtesy; KNA