Meru court cannot hear murder case of 9yr-old Maribel: Judge

A judge has ruled that the Meru High Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the murder case of 9-year-old Maribel Kapolon.

Justice Mabea said it is in the interest of justice for the accused not to hear the case.

Also Read: Meru Magistrate’s daughter kidnapped, killed

“Justice does not only need to be heard, it also needs to be seen. For trial to be fair, this court can not hear this case because the deceased is a daughter of a magistrate heading a court under supervision of this court,” ruled Justice Mabea.

Caroline Kemei, the deceased’s mother, is the Senior Resident Magistrate of Githongo, which is under the jurisdiction of the Meru court.

Her daughter was murdered between September 6-16, 2018 and her body dumped at Gitoro Forest in Meru.

The suspects Benson Kimathi Marangu and Francis Otundo, who were before Justice Alfred Mabea on Tuesday, did not take plea.

Justice Mabea directed that the two be taken for mental examination within 7 days.

In his ruling, Justice Mabea further directed that the Chuka deputy register appoint an advocate for the second accused, Francis Otundo.