Suspects held over Linda Mwananchi convoy attack in Kisii remain in custody as missing files delay plea

Suspects linked to the Linda Mwananchi convoy attack in Keumbu when they appeared in court. (Photo: Handout)

By Carolyne Kubwa
Monday, July 6, 2026

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Seven suspects arrested over the Linda Mwananchi convoy attack in Keumbu will remain in custody after a Kisii court deferred plea-taking due to missing case files, delaying the start of criminal proceedings.

Seven suspects arrested over the violent attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy in Keumbu along the Kisii-Keroka Road will remain in police custody after a Kisii court deferred plea-taking when the prosecution failed to present the case files.

The suspects were presented before Senior Resident Magistrate Caroline Cheruiyot on Monday but could not be charged after the prosecution informed the court that the files required to proceed with the plea were unavailable.

Magistrate Cheruiyot directed that the suspects be returned to the court cells and remain in custody until the case file is produced, effectively delaying the start of criminal proceedings.

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Meanwhile, the violence has claimed one life after 36-year-old Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.

Police say Osiemo’s death will now form part of the ongoing investigations as detectives establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident and consider whether additional charges, including murder-related offences, may be preferred against those found responsible.

In a related development, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has been summoned to appear before DCI officers in Kisii to assist investigators probing the violence. Detectives say the legislator is expected to record a statement to help establish what transpired during the attack.

The National Police Service said investigations remain active, with detectives pursuing additional leads to identify those who planned, organised, or participated in the violence.

Police further indicated that more arrests could be made as investigators analyse evidence collected from the scene and review witness statements.

The matter is expected to return before the Kisii court once the prosecution retrieves or reconstructs the missing case files, allowing the suspects to take plea. Until then, the seven suspects will remain in custody in line with the court’s orders.