A magistrate court is set to rule today on an application for bond by the proprietors of a city clinic and their surgeon, who were charged with manslaughter. The accused, Robert Mutuku, George Njoroge, and Edna Wanjiru, were remanded after pleading not guilty before a senior principal magistrate.
The court ordered that they remain in custody at the Industrial Area and Lang’ata Women’s prisons, respectively, until the bond ruling is delivered. The charges against them stem from allegations of a botched cosmetic surgery that resulted in the death of businesswoman Lucy Wambui.
Wambui passed away in October 2024 due to complications from the procedure, which she underwent at Omnicare Medical Clinic, also known as Body by Design. The clinic is co-owned by George Wakaria and Edna Wanjiru, who are husband and wife.
The prosecution opposed the accused persons’ application for bond, arguing that they could interfere with witnesses who were their employees. The senior prosecution counsel emphasized that the likelihood of witness interference was a compelling reason to deny bail.
Additionally, the prosecution highlighted the seriousness of the manslaughter charge, which carries a possible life sentence. They also expressed concerns about public safety, stating that allowing the accused to be released on bond could put other members of the public at risk.
On the other hand, the defense, led by multiple lawyers, argued that no evidence had been presented to support claims of witness interference. They contended that denying bond would unjustly limit the rights and freedoms of the accused persons. One of the defense lawyers stated that the severity of the charge alone should not be grounds for denial of bond.
The prosecution countered this argument by stating that the rights of the victim’s family should also be considered. They insisted that keeping the accused in custody during the trial would ensure a fair judicial process and prevent any potential influence over witnesses.
Before the plea was taken, the accused had sought to halt the process through the High Court. However, a judge ruled that the plea-taking should proceed while the petitioners served the victim’s family with legal documents. The judge further noted that the accused would not suffer prejudice by taking the plea, and the High Court would provide further directions on the matter on April 8.
Lucy Wambui was the wife of Francis Ng’ang’a, the CEO of Valley Road Motors. The victim’s family is represented in the case by their legal counsel, who has been actively involved in the proceedings.
With the bond ruling expected later today, the case continues to draw significant attention as both the prosecution and defense prepare for the upcoming hearings. The outcome of the ruling will determine whether the accused will remain in custody or be released on bond as they await trial.
