A Kitui court is expected to rule on today whether nine suspects, including the partner of slain businessman James Syengo Wambua Jnr, will remain in custody for 14 days to allow police to complete investigations into his murder.
The nine appeared before the Kitui Law Courts on Monday, where detectives sought custodial orders, saying they required more time to conclude investigations before making a decision on possible charges.
The suspects did not take plea as the court reserved its ruling on the detention application until Tuesday.
Police told the court that investigations into the murder are at an advanced stage but remain incomplete, prompting the request to continue holding the suspects.
James Syengo Wambua Jnr, popularly known as Syengo, was found dead by the roadside near Igloos Hotel in Bondeni, Kitui, on Saturday morning after spending the previous night with friends at an entertainment venue in Kitui town.
According to investigators, detectives are reconstructing the victim’s final movements and examining forensic evidence collected during the investigation. Police are also seeking to trace a boda boda rider believed to be a key witness in the case.
The court is expected to determine whether investigators have demonstrated sufficient grounds to continue holding the nine suspects pending the completion of investigations.
If the application is allowed, detectives will have additional time to conclude inquiries before deciding whether to prefer charges.
