Republic v Harrison Kimani, Michael Nakuti, Shadrack Mitsela & Brydon Vwamu [2019] KEHC 122 (KLR) | Murder Trial | Esheria

Republic v Harrison Kimani, Michael Nakuti, Shadrack Mitsela & Brydon Vwamu [2019] KEHC 122 (KLR)

Full Case Text

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

IN THE HIGH COURT

ATNAKURU

CRIMINAL CASE (MURDER) NO. 39 OF 2015

REPUBLIC.................................................................................PROSECUTOR

-VERSUS-

HARRISON KIMANI................................................................1ST ACCUSED

MICHAEL NAKUTI.................................................................2ND ACCUSED

SHADRACK MITSELA...........................................................3RD ACCUSED

BRYDON VWAMU...................................................................4TH ACCUSED

RULING

Section 306(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code provides that upon closure of the prosecution case, if the court considers that there is no evidence that the accused or any of them committed the offence, and upon hearing submissions by both the prosecution and the defence, record a finding of not guilty.

However, if the evidence on record is sufficient to link any of the accused to the commission of the offence, the said accused shall be called upon to answer to the charges – Section 306(2).

I have carefully considered the evidence of the nine prosecution witnesses.

PW2, PW6 and PW8 who were at the scene of crime did not see the 1st accused beat or participate in the fight that led to the deceased’s death.   The witnesses pointed fingers at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused persons as the persons who beat the deceased during the fight.

I therefore find and hold that a prima facie case has been established against the 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused persons.  They shall be placed on their defence, in terms of Section 306(2) of Criminal Procedure Code.

Accordingly, there being no sufficient evidence on record to link the 1st accused to the commission or participation in the offence, I enter a verdict of not guilty against him, and set him free unless otherwise lawfully held.

Delivered, signed and dated at Nakuru this 12th Day of November 2019.

.....................

J.N. MULWA

JUDGE