On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, High Court Judge James Wakiaga reversed an earlier decision by JKIA magistrate Renee Kitangwa, granting Nancy Kigunzu, popularly known as Mathe wa Ngara, a Ksh500,000 bond. The magistrate had previously denied her bail on September 14, 2024.
Justice Wakiaga ruled that Kigunzu should be released after spending over two years and nearly three months in custody. He directed her to report to the investigating officers every 30 days and warned her against committing similar offences while out on bail.
Mathe wa Ngara’s two co-accused had earlier been released on Ksh1 million bond each. Through her lawyers, Sophie Nekesa and Danstan Omari, Kigunzu appealed the initial decision, promising full compliance with all court directives.
The three suspects were arraigned on August 12, 2024, facing charges of narcotics trafficking. In a related matter, High Court Justice Esther Maina, in April 2024, had ordered Kigunzu to forfeit Ksh13.4 million to the state after failing to explain its source. The court questioned why such a large sum was kept in sacks at her residence instead of being deposited in a bank.
Authorities also discovered cannabis sativa at Kigunzu’s home. Justice Maina noted that three individuals were found on the premises under circumstances suggesting they were drug mules. She concluded that the money was directly linked to criminal activities and declared it proceeds of crime, ordering its forfeiture to the government of Kenya.
The reversal by Justice Wakiaga marks a significant development in the case, allowing Mathe wa Ngara a chance to regain her freedom under strict court conditions. The case continues to attract public attention given the high-profile nature of the charges and the substantial sums involved.
