Kangundo Law Court in session. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Kangundo Law Courts on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of a high-profile kidnapping and robbery case after four suspects failed to appear, citing lack of sleeping facilities at the Kangundo Police Station.
The accused — Duncan Wambua Kimeu, a Machakos-based taxi driver, alongside Dennis Ndolo Mutunga, Wambua Kinyili Mutunga, and Charles Mutinda Margaret — are facing charges related to the abduction and robbery of Dr. Titus Kilika in June last year.
According to police sources, the suspects remained in custody at the Machakos GK Prison and could not be transported to Kangundo Court due to “poor accommodation conditions” at the local police station, including the absence of mattresses or proper sleeping arrangements.
Presiding over the matter, Kangundo Principal Magistrate Sammy Opande expressed concern over the turn of events and directed Kangundo Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samuel Mwangi, to appear before the court on July 29 to explain the failure to present the accused.
The case has now been rescheduled for hearing on August 26.
In a related ruling, Magistrate Opande declined a request by the first and second accused to have their bond terms reviewed. The duo will continue to be held under a bond of KSh1 million each.
However, the court granted relief to the third and fourth accused, reducing their bond from KSh5 million to KSh1 million each, with an alternative cash bail of KSh500,000.
The case has drawn public interest due to the nature of the charges and the unusual reason for the adjournment, raising concerns over the state of facilities in local police stations.
