Boda boda operators, who had attended the hearing of a murder of Sammy Shikuku Kiio, a boda boda operator from Kibwezi, at Makueni Law Courts pose for a Photo with the County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa outside the Courts. Photo by Governor’s Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Two suspects accused of the gruesome murder of Sammy Shikuku Kiio, a boda boda operator from Kibwezi, have denied the charges before the Makueni High Court.
The deceased was reportedly attacked and set ablaze on the night of September 4–5, 2025, near Kavuluko Stores in Kibwezi Township.
The accused, Damaris Nzilu Mathieu and Peter Mungatia Nzioka alias Kasyuma, appeared before Justice Theresiah Matheka facing murder charges. Both entered a plea of not guilty.
Makueni County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa represented the family of the deceased after Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. assured them of legal support. She opposed the suspects’ release on bail, citing the grave nature of the crime.
While acknowledging that the accused have a constitutional right to bail, Kyumwa urged the court to first consider the severity of the offense. Defense lawyers countered the application, insisting that bail could only be denied with compelling reasons.
In her ruling, Justice Matheka agreed with Kyumwa’s submission and directed that a pre-bail report be filed by the County Probation Officer within 14 days before making a final determination. The matter will be mentioned on October 8, 2025.
The hearing attracted a large number of boda boda operators, who packed the courtroom in solidarity with the family.
They welcomed the court’s stance and expressed gratitude to Governor Mutula for ensuring the family had legal representation.
Also present at the proceedings was Kikumbulyu South MCA Jades Kalunda.
