Suspects in Munuve Murder Released on Bail as File Sent to Nairobi
By The Anchor Writers
Fresh controversy emerged today in the murder case of club bouncer Dominic Munuve Mutisya after the suspects were dramatically freed on cash bail without taking plea.
The suspects are Mr. Kennedy Mutie Mbithi and Anne Mueni Muthama.
It came as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that the case file has been forwarded to Nairobi for further review due to public interest.
The development played out before Machakos Chief Magistrate Justus Kituku, where the defence successfully applied for bail without objection from the prosecution.
The application was surprisingly not opposed by the prosecution, leading to the suspects’ smooth release on cash bail of Sh200,000 each, pending further directions.
The suspects were released before plea could be taken, a move that triggered an emotional protest by the victim’s family, led by family representative Peter Kioko, who accused authorities of shielding the suspects from the first day of the killing of Munuve.
Family Alleges Interference
Outside court, the family expressed anger and disbelief at the turn of events, claiming the case had been interfered with by unnamed powerful individuals.
According to the family, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jackson Motende had allegedly remarked that “powers from above” had directed that the suspects be released without delay — a claim that has since become central to the unfolding dispute.
Peter Kioko said the family was shocked that the suspects were freed without plea, despite the seriousness of the offence.
“This is murder. How do suspects walk free before plea? Someone is interfering with this case,” Kioko charged.
ODPP Clarifies Position
However, when contacted by The Anchor, Mr Motende vehemently denied making any reference to ‘powers from above’ directing the release of the suspects. He said he was not aware of any such influence.
Mr Motende explained that the decision to forward the file to ODPP Headquarters in Nairobi was informed by the public interest and sensitivity surrounding the matter.
Mr.Motende has since penned a letter explaining the court proceedings to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The matter is scheduled for mention on January 22, 2026, for further directions.
Delay in Plea
Sources close to the case indicate that the investigation file had been forwarded to the ODPP earlier in the week, with expectations that prosecutorial advice would be issued promptly to allow the accused to take plea by today and manage growing public anxiety and perceptions.
That did not happen, raising further questions from the family and observers about delays and the prosecution’s apparent lack of opposition to bail.
Case Background
Dominic Munuve Mutisya was fatally attacked in Machakos Town while on duty as a club bouncer, in a case that has drawn widespread public attention due to its brutality and the circumstances surrounding his death. He was shot three times early on Christmas Day.
On the scheduled date to appear in court, the principal suspect who is a local farmer, contractor and licensed gun holder failed to appear in could after falling ill in police custody.
The accused face a murder charge under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The court is expected to give further directions on January 22, 2026, after the ODPP Headquarters reviews the file and issues formal prosecutorial advice.
Meanwhile, the Munuve family insists they will continue pressing for answers, accountability, and transparency in what they describe as a case “slowly slipping out of reach.”
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