State seeks more time to complete probe into arson at Makongeni, Matuu police stations
16 suspects are facing allegations of burning Makongeni Police Station in Thika, while the remaining six are accused of torching Matuu Police Station in Machakos County.
22 people accused of setting fire to two police stations in Kiambu and Machakos counties failed to take plea once again after the prosecution sought more time to complete investigations and change the charges.
16 suspects are facing allegations of burning Makongeni Police Station in Thika, while the remaining six are accused of torching Matuu Police Station in Machakos County.
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They all appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts on Thursday for the expected start of their case.
However, plea taking did not proceed after prosecutors informed the court that investigations were incomplete and that they intended to amend the charge sheet.
The court ordered the suspects to return on Tuesday for the reading of the new charges.
Lawyer John Maina Ndegwa, representing all the accused, expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay.
“We came here knowing the case would start, but shockingly, the prosecutor said investigations aren’t complete, and now they want to amend the charge sheet. These were just random arrests, not even people from the crime scene,” he said.
The suspects also sought the release of their motorcycles and tuk-tuks, which are still being held by police.
Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiaga declined to issue any orders on the matter, stating: “On the issue of motorbikes, please let’s deal with that separately through other avenues.”
Through their lawyer, the accused criticised the State for lacking evidence and intentionally dragging out the trial.
“We don’t know the new charges they want to impose on my 22 clients. It seems the prosecution doesn’t have a case; that’s why they’re dilly-dallying. We are asking them to close the file and leave these young men alone,” Ndegwa stated.
The suspects maintained that they were growing increasingly frustrated by the repeated postponements. They urged the prosecution to either proceed with the case or withdraw it altogether.
One of the accused, Mwau Gatungwa, told the court: “Our question to the court is, if we committed an act of terrorism, let the case proceed. Not these constant two-week delays. They are really frustrating us, but God is with us.”
The group is set to return to court next Tuesday, October 7, to take a new plea.
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