Erick Mutinda, the main suspect in the murder of Multimedia University student Sylvia Kemunto, has been ordered to remain in custody for 30 days as the court awaits a probation report and the results of a mental health evaluation.
Appearing before Justice Diana Kavenza on Tuesday, April 29, Mutinda pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
His defense lawyer requested bail, arguing that Mutinda, a 19-year-old telecommunications student, poses no flight risk.
The lawyer noted that Mutinda voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities, resides in Sultan Hamud, and does not possess a passport, making it unlikely that he could flee the country.
However, the victim’s family, represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, expressed their intent to oppose any bail request.
Justice Kavenza ordered that Mutinda be held at Nairobi Remand Prison and undergo a psychiatric assessment at Mbagathi Hospital. The case will be mentioned again on May 29.
