Kirinyaga woman denies murdering her husband

Lydia Wakuthii Mbogo in the dock at a Kerugoya court where she was charged with murder of her husband Francis Mbogo Ndambiri. [Munene Kamau, Standard]

The wife of prominent trader Francis Mbogo Ndambiri has been charged in a Kerugoya court with the murder of her husband.

Lydia Wakuthii Mbogo, 41, who was jointly charged with others not before the court, however denied committing the offence. She was represented by lawyer Njuguna Kimani.

The court ordered she be remanded at the Embu GK Prison until June 13 when her application for release on bond will be reviewed.

Prosecutor Geoffrey Obiri had opposed her release on bail, noting she was likely to interfere with potential witnesses, most of whom are her employees.

Her lawyer, however, asked the court to dismiss the prosecution’s application, noting that his client has been residing in the county since the alleged offence was committed and was not a flight risk.

Kimani further submitted that Wakuthii was diabetic and dependent on medication which has to be sourced from India on regular basis.

“I do not see or find any compelling reason advanced by the prosecution to continue holding Wakuthii in prison custody since she has for about eight months after the said murder remained at her late husband’s home without showing any signs of fleeing and that she will always abide by the bond condition,” he told the court.

Justice Lucy Gitari told the defence counsel it was the court’s practice to have written affidavits filed and later argued by both sides before the ruling on the bail application could be made.

Wakuthii was charged that on August 21, last year, at South Ngariama Ranching Scheme, jointly with others not before the court, they murdered the businessman.

Mbogo alias Kasarani had interests in road and building construction within the county and left behind a vast empire. Wakuthii was the trader’s second wife.