The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has raised alarm over persistent delays in the Kianjakoma brothers’ murder case and urged the court to intervene. The prosecution lamented that Monday’s session marked the first time the case appeared before the current judge in 2025, despite being in the judicial system for over three years.
During the hearing at the Milimani Law Courts, the prosecution called for urgent judicial action, noting the hearing had been scheduled to proceed for five consecutive days. “We will be seeking the court’s intervention so that we may proceed with this matter,” the prosecution said, emphasizing that justice must be served for both the accused and the victims.
The prosecution also hinted at seeking cancellation of bond terms, citing repeated delays and non-appearance of one of the accused. Specifically, the absence of the sixth accused, James Mwaniki, triggered concern. His lawyer, Danstan Omari, informed the court that Mwaniki was unwell and admitted to Thika Level 5 Hospital, prompting a defense request for adjournment to Tuesday.
In response, the court gave the defense three options: request the Deputy Registrar to visit the hospital for verification, establish if Mwaniki can participate in proceedings while hospitalized, or present medical documents supporting his illness claim.
The family of the late Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura also voiced their frustration, urging the court to take decisive steps. “We are asking this court to order that he appear and cancel his bond terms, or even allow him to appear virtually so we can proceed,” a family representative pleaded.
The deaths of the two brothers in 2021, following their arrest by police in Kianjakoma, Embu County, sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. The accused, all police officers, were released on bond pending trial.
The court is expected to issue a ruling on the prosecution’s requests and Mwaniki’s continued absence, as pressure mounts for justice in one of Kenya’s most high-profile police brutality cases.
