A court sitting in Kisii has been forced to adjourn the hearing of a murder case of four elderly mothers who were lynched last year in Marani, Kisii County over allegations of practising witchcraft.
This is after one of the lawyers representing two of the nine suspects fell sick.
The prosecution led by Mr Hilary Kaino told the court that Mr Shaffin Kaba was unable to attend proceedings since he had fallen sick on Tuesday, May 17.
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Lawyer John Khaminwa who is representing the victims’ families asked Lady Justice Roselyn Ougo to take the Court to Kaba's home since there were no medical records presented in court about his sickness.
“My lady the issue of sickness cannot come up at this time. There are no medical records presented in court. You can order for his arrest or we can take the court to his home,” Khaminwa urged.
Kaba is representing suspects Chrispine Ogeto and Nelson Tumbo.
The case is closely followed by the Human Rights organizations including; Help age International, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa, Malindi District Cultural Association, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Coalition for Violence against women among others.
Justice Ougo said that the case could not proceed in Kaba's absence since the two have a right to representation.
The hearing was pushed to September 26 to 29, 2022.
Amos Nyakundi, Chrispine Ogeto, Peter Angwenyi, Brian Mecha, Ronald Ombati, Justine Morara, Hesborn Ongondi, Nelson Tumbo and Justine Akiya are accused of killing the late Rael Sigara Onkware, Agnes Moraa Ototo, Jemimah Nyang’ate and Siendege Mayaka on October 17, 2021.
Justice Ougo allowed the prosecution to file an application for witnesses to be allowed to record more statements to add to the evidence missing in the suit.
After the adjournment, the UTU Coalition led by Help age International held a peaceful demonstration outside the Kisii Law Court asking for Justice and pleading with the community to respect and protect the elderly.
