A pastor from Gatundu South, Kiambu County, has been granted release on a Ksh.2 million bond with a similar surety after pleading not guilty to murder charges. Patrick Kagunda Karanja, who was arraigned before High Court Judge Justice Florence Muchemi, stands accused of the murder of Francis Gichini, which allegedly took place on February 3, 2025, in Gatundu South Sub-county.
The defense team, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, successfully secured favorable bond terms for the accused. Njiru argued that Kagunda had been held in custody for an extended period without formal charges, which, according to him, was a violation of his rights. He further contended that Kagunda, being a pastor and a family man with a wife and child, did not pose a flight risk and should be granted his constitutional right to bail.
Additionally, the defense emphasized that Kagunda was presumed innocent until proven guilty, as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. They urged the court to uphold the principle of fairness in granting bond.
However, the prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Esther Torosi, along with the victim’s legal representatives, strongly opposed the bond application. They raised concerns that Kagunda, if released, could potentially interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence. They also highlighted the issue of public hostility in Ituuru village, where the accused hails from, warning that his safety could be at risk should he be released.
Despite these concerns, Justice Muchemi ruled in favor of the defense, granting Kagunda a Ksh.2 million bond with a matching surety. The judge, however, ordered that the accused remain at Nairobi Remand Prison until the bond processing is completed.
The case is set for mention on March 25, 2025, when further directions on the trial will be given. The court’s decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some residents of Gatundu South expressing concerns over the release, while others uphold the legal principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The proceedings will be closely monitored as the case progresses, with the prosecution expected to present its evidence in the upcoming sessions.
