In a story that has captured people’s minds and the country as to why a key state witness, Jennifer Wambua was found murdered at Ngong Forest, Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi, has expressed shock and dismay, as the deceased was about to testify against a former Principal Secretary, Lugari MP Ayub Savula, his two wives and 27 others.
Ms. Jennifer Itumbi Wambua was a Deputy Communications Director at the National Land Commission (NLC).
The Magistrate expressed shock after he learnt about the murder of Ms. Wambua, via a State Prosecutor, and expressed dismay that this was the first incident and case to have occurred on his docket, after many years on the bench as a Magistrate
“In my many years of practice, I have not had such an incident and it is important that the matter be mentioned in a physical court,” Mr. Andayi said, during a virtual mention of the case against the former PS. Sammy Itemere, and others.
Court Notification of the Deceased
“Your Honor, there is a new development in the case following the passing on of our key witness, Ms. Wambua, who had been stood down for cross examination,” the State Prosecutor said.
News of the death of the States key witness was relayed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) via the agent in charge/investigating officer in the case against the seven companies and 23 suspects.
The accused have been jointly charged that between July 1st, 2015, and August 30th, 2018 at the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, within Nairobi County, they conspired together to commit a felony, namely stealing KShs 122,335,500 from the ministry.
The court was advised that investigations into the murder of Ms. Wambua had begun.
Ms. Wambua had already given her evidence in the case against Mr. Itemere, Mr. Savula, and his two wives Melody Gatwiri and Hellen Jepkor Kemboi, among others.
The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case virtually, to fix a hearing date, and directed that the new date be mentioned before him Thursday in open court.