Two more suspects were on Friday charged with the murder of four women who were suspected to be ‘witches’ at Mbanda village, Marani Sub County in Kisii on October 17.
Nelson Tumbo and Hesborn Gichana denied four counts of murder when they appeared before Kisii High Court Judge Hellen Ougo.
So far, nine suspects have been charged in court with the murder of four elderly women Sindege Mayaka, Rael Okware, Agnes Moraa and Jemimah Mironga who were accused of being ‘witches’.
Other suspects Brian Nyakundi, Peter Angwenyi, Chrispin Ogeto, Justine Morara, Ronald Onyonka, Amos Nyakundi, and a 17-year-old were charged and denied bail by justice Ougo.
On Friday afternoon, Tumbo and Gichana sat pensively as Justice Ougo read them the charges. They denied the offences and were remanded at the Kisii Main Prison until March 1 and 2 next year when the case will be heard.
The suspects are represented by Shaffin Kaba. Chadwik Mogire stood in or him when the two suspects appeared in court.
Justice Ougo said that the case will be mentioned earlier for the court to consolidate it with two other related matters.
She asked the prosecution led by Hillary Kaino to supply the suspects and defence with witness statements within 14 days.
On Thursday, Justice Ougo denied Brian Nyakundi, Peter Angwenyi, Chrispin Ogeto, Justine Morara, Ronald Onyonka, Amos Nyakundi, and a 17-year-old bail.
The families through lawyer John Khaminwa who was appointed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the prosecution had opposed the release of the suspects on bond.
In her ruling on Thursday, Justice Ougo said after examining the circumstances the four elderly women were killed and considering the submissions from the lawyers of the victims, she declined to release them on bond.