Prosecution argues Mugure is in a position to interfere with witnesses.
A Nanyuki court yesterday allowed detectives to detain Peter Mugure, the soldier linked to the murder of his wife and children, and another man suspected to be his accomplice.
Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai granted officers the power to hold Mr Mugure, 34, and Collins Pamba, 21, for 21 days.
The police had asked for more time to finalise investigations into the murders of Joyce Syombua, Mugure’s estranged wife, his daughter Shanice Maua, 11, and son Prince Michael, 4.
Senior Assistant Director for Public Prosecutions Peter Mailanyi told the court that the case was complex and needed thorough investigations, including a forensic analysis of DNA samples of the three bodies.
Mr Pamba, a casual labourer in Nanyuki, is suspected to have helped Mugure bury the bodies. Mr Mailanya said his office intends to charge Pamba as an accomplice to the murder, and Mugure with murder.
“Detectives have applied for more time to complete investigations. There are a lot of technicalities involved in unravelling the gruesome murders,” said Mailanyi.
The prosecutor also argued that Mugure, being a senior military officer at the Laikipia Airbase, was likely to interfere with witnesses who are under his command.
Mailanyi further explained that there is a possibility that there are more suspects spread across different counties who could be charged.
“The case involves a lot of forensic analysis. This will lead to more suspects being arrested,” he said.
