Duo charged with killing mother's lover deny charges

Two brothers who allegedly killed their mother's lover have pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

Appearing before Embu High Court judge Lucy Njuguna, David Kinyua, 26, and Kelvin Macharia, 19, were accused of killing Peter Mwangi on September 3, 2023, at Itherembu village in Mariari location Mbeere South Sub-county of Embu County.

Their lawyer Muchangi Gichugu submitted that the two brothers hailed from a poor background and urged the court to grant them lenient bond terms, adding that they are not a flight risk.

"We are also requesting a plea-bargain agreement with the prosecution to ensure the matter is concluded faster," Gichugu pleaded.

Lead prosecutor Scola Nyika submitted that the prosecution had no compelling reasons to oppose the accused release on bond.

"However, we urge the court to consider the magnitude of the offence and give commensurate bond terms," Ms Nyika said, adding that 11 prosecution witnesses will testify in the case.

Justice Njuguna released the two on a bond of Sh1 million each, a surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of Sh300,000.

The case will be mentioned on October 17, 2023, for further directions.