Two prime suspects in Okombe murder charged

Two prime suspects in the murder of rugby star Michael Shitindo Okombe were on Tuesday charged before a Nakuru High court.

Maryanne Mumbi together with Calvin Okoth appeared before High Court judge justice Maureen Odero after a psychiatric report presented revealed the two were fit to stand trial.

The duo was charged that on November 4, at Olive Inn area in Kiamunyi estate jointly combined and killed Michael Okombe, a rugby player.

They both pleaded not guilty and through their lawyers Kamau Chomba and Bernard Akang’o urged to be released on bond “as it is constitutional right”.

“We wish that our clients be granted bond in this case, it is a constitutional right and our clients are entitled to the same,” said Kamau.

Justice Odero later ordered that the duo  be released on a sh 300,000 bond and surety of the same amount each after the prosecution pointed out that they don’t have an objection since most part of the investigations was complete.

“Since there is no objection for bond from the prosecution side, the accused persons may be released on a sh 300,000 bond and a surety of the same amount each pending hearing of the case,” justice Odero ruled.

The case shall be heard on January 22 where the prosecution is set to present its case against the two accused persons.

According to the prosecution, the suspects were initially six but four were expunged from the list after thorough interrogation and investigations by homicide detectives from different stations across the county.

The two, according to police, are the prime suspects who are believed to have been part of the murder where Mr Okombe was stabbed to death at a party in Kiamunyi estate.

Calvin Okoth who is a rugby player at a local club was the host of the fateful party where Mr Okombe was brutally murdered. It is believed that Okombe had a scuffle with his lover Mumbi before she took a kitchen knife and stabbed him to death.

According to a post mortem examination conducted at Valley Hospital in Nakuru on November 8, Okombe died from excessive bleeding.

The report also showed that Okombe had four stab wounds on the chest; head, on the back and cheek and also a wound on the back of his head where it is believed to have been caused by a blunt object.

The fallen rugby star is expected to be buried at his home in Emasatsi Village, Khwisero Sub-County in Kakamega County on Thursday November 16. The rugby fraternity is expected to attend the service in large numbers