Four robbery suspects will remain in police custody after a Kangundo Court in Machakos County postponed the hearing of their bond and bail terms to Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The case, presided over by Principal Magistrate Hon. Sammy Opande, involves Duncan Wambua Kimeu, Dennis Ndolo Mutunga, Wambua Kinyili Mutunga, and Charles Mutinda Margaret, who have all pleaded not guilty to charges of robbery with violence.
The suspects are accused of robbing Titus Muteti Kilika on April 29, 2024, at Kambai Junction along the Kangundo-Mwala Road in Kangundo Subcounty, Machakos County.
According to the prosecution, the four, along with accomplices still at large, allegedly stole various items, including a Samsung mobile phone, national identification documents, ATM cards from several banks, and cash totaling KSh1,503,111. The suspects reportedly used threats of violence to carry out the robbery.
In a second count, Duncan Wambua Kimeu was charged with giving false information to Corporal Patrick Mwakideu at the Kangundo Police Station.
Kimeu allegedly claimed he had been robbed of cash and valuables on May 1, 2024, a statement he is accused of knowingly fabricating to divert attention from his involvement in the robbery.
During the court proceedings, State Counsel Vivian Nyangena argued against granting bail, citing the suspects as flight risks.
“It took months and considerable effort to trace and arrest the accused,” she stated. Nyangena further emphasized that the complainant, Titus Muteti Kilika, feared for his safety, as he had reportedly received threats from the suspects, whom he described as dangerous.
Kilika, a retired government officer residing in Machakos, recounted his traumatic experience, explaining that one of the suspects, Duncan Wambua, had been his trusted taxi driver for over a decade and had allegedly orchestrated the hijacking and robbery.
The suspects had previously been granted cash bail of Kshs 5 million each but appealed for a reduction. Dennis Ndolo spoke in court, pleading for leniency, while Wambua Kinyili indicated plans to submit a written appeal.
The court will deliberate on the bail hearing and determine the way forward when the case resumes next week. Until then, the four suspects will remain in custody at Kangundo Police Station.
