Kitui fire engine driver charged with murder of former mayor

A Kitui County Government fire engine driver was on Monday arraigned and charged with two counts of attempting to murder former Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and causing the death of former Kitui Mayor Martha Mwangangi through dangerous driving.

Mr Philip Tito Isika did not take a plea after police applied to detain the suspect for 14 more days so as to complete investigations into the matter.

Inspector Julius Omali told the court that the 14 days would allow police to complete investigations and amend some of the charges, adding that the case has political overtones and having the suspect in police custody would also ensure his safety.

His lawyer Japheth Mwalimu, however, objected to the plea saying it infringed the rights of the accused. He added that three days was enough as all the witnesses have recorded statements.
Kitui Resident Magistrate Rose Ombata gave the investigators seven days to conclude their investigations.

Kitui Resident Magistrate Rose Ombata gave the investigators seven days to conclude their investigations.

Isika was behind the wheel of the fire truck that crushed to death former Kitui Mayor Martha Mwangangi who was walking alongside former CS Charity Ngilu on Friday
last week.

Ngilu escaped death by a whisker after her aide pushed her aside as the truck ran over the deceased.

The incident sparked an uproar among Kitui politicians led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who in their messages of condolences urged the county government to be humane while demolishing illegal structures.

Reported by Shadrack Ilava