Starlet Wahu murder case: Court adjourns Matara's bail hearing to May

 

John Matara who is charged with the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu will spend more time in remand after the High Court adjourned the hearing for bail/bond application.

When the parties appeared before him on Monday, Milimani High Court Judge Kanyi Kimondo directed them to be back on May 9.

This is after Matara's advocate Samuel Ayora told the court that he could not argue the matter without the pre-bail report.

The report, which he says will have an impact on the outcome of the applicant, is yet to be submitted to court.

This is despite there being orders from February 26, to have the report submitted early prior to March 18.

Confirming that the document was not ready, the state requested for more time.

It said in two weeks, the probation department will be able to present the same.

Opposing the two weeks time requested, Ayora prayed for a nearer date arguing that the report ought to have already been produced and the delay should not affect his client.

Justice Kimondo however explained that he could only give a date in May, explaining that the High Court is breaking for recess and he will be on leave right after, until late April.

A notice in the court states that the Judge will be on official leave from April 2, to April 30, with both days exclusive.

He directed that the pre-bail report be filed and served to the parties in the case including the defendant and victim's lawyer in 21 days from March 18.

Matara will continue being held at the Industrial Area Remand and Allocation Centre awaiting the hearing and determination on whether he will be released on bond/bail or not.

by SHARON MWENDE