Woman to testify in husband's murder trial

Eric Maingi, the main suspect in the murder of Eunice Njeri, a fourth-year student at Egerton University, before Justice Teresia Matheka on March 24, 2021 at the Nakuru High Court. [Daniel Chege, The Standard]

The prosecution has listed the wife of a prime suspect in the murder of an Egerton University student as a key witness.

Diana Muthiomi and her friend Tamar Wambora are among 21 witnesses set to come face-to-face with Eric Maingi who has been accused of murdering Eunice Njeri in Nakuru last year.

“The two will be among 21 witnesses who will help us prove that Mr Maingi murdered Ms Njeri on the night of December 6, 2020 in Nakuru County," the prosecutor, Loice Murunga, told High Court judge Justice Teresia Matheka.

Ms Muthiomi and Ms Wambora, both students at the university, colleagues and friends of the late Njeri, had been arrested on February 19 in connection with the murder that took place in Njoro sub-county.

Muthiomi and Wambora were arrested after forensic investigations placed them near where Njeri's body was discovered.

The three - Maingi, Muthiomi and Wambora - were taken into custody on February 20.

Njeri, a Fourth Year student who was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in clothing, textile and interior design, was last seen alive on December 6, 2020.

Maingi took plea on Wednesday evening, after a medical report declared him mentally fit to stand trial for murder.

He, however, denied the charges and prayed for the court to release him on reasonable bail terms.

He informed the court that he was not a flight risk and would not abscond court during his trial.

However, the prosecution raised an objection, saying that Maingi could interfere with witnesses, specifically his wife Muthiomi and Wambora who he is acquainted with.

Ms Murunga said Inspector Peter Kamau, the investigating officer, would swear an affidavit to oppose the release of the accused person on bail.

“The detectives are adamant that the release of the accused person is dangerous. He has no permanent residence and his life is in danger of mob justice because the case is in public domain,” said the prosecutor.

The prosecution informed the court that police recovered several mobile phones and numerous sim cards from Maingi. The items have been taken for forensic analysis, said the prosecution.

The judge directed the prosecution to serve the affidavit on the opposition of bail to the defence team by the close of the week.