Owner of Killer Brew Bar in Kirinyaga Denied Bond As All 7 Witnesses Blind

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The Kirinyaga court defers the bond application for John Muriithi, owner of the bar where 17 individuals died from consuming illicit brew, pending the testimony of prosecution witnesses identified within the next 60 to 90 days.

• Concerns over potential witness interference lead to the denial of Muriithi's bond application by Kerugoya High Court Judge Richard Mwongo, highlighting the vulnerability of the visually impaired witnesses set to testify.

Photo of a man behind bars

A Kirinyaga court has decided to defer the bond application of John Muriithi, the proprietor of the bar where 17 individuals tragically lost their lives due to consuming illicit brew. 

The court ruled that the determination of Muriithi's bond will await the testimony of witnesses identified by the prosecution team, a process expected to unfold within the next 60 to 90 days. 

Represented by his lawyer Kemunto Magara, Muriithi sought release on bond in a case where he faces charges including causing the death of 17 people in Kangai village and stealing exhibits from Kiamaciri Police Station.

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The decision was made by Kerugoya High Court Judge Richard Mwongo, who expressed concerns regarding the vulnerability of the witnesses set to testify, as they are all visually impaired. 

Consequently, Mwongo denied Muriithi's bond application to prevent potential interference with the testimony of these witnesses.

Initially, Muriithi was charged alongside his brother Anthony Muthee, Lydiah Wanjiru (owner of Muiguru bar), police officers Francis Mutethia, Allan Kimanzi, Brian Kariuki, and former Kiamaciri commanding station officer Kennedy Mugambi. 

While Muteithia, Kariuki, and Mugambi have been released on a bond of Ksh.1 million, Kimanzi was granted a Ksh.500,000 bond based on his lawyer Nyaga Gitari's argument regarding his limited tenure in the police force and orphan status. 

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Wanjiru and Muthee were each granted bonds of Ksh.800,000 and Ksh.1 million, respectively.