A student from Multimedia University (MMU), Erick Mutinda, has been detained for 21 days by Kibera Law Court while the police investigate the murder of his fellow student, Sylvia Kemunto. Mutinda was arrested on April 4 in Sultan Hamud after Kemunto’s body was discovered in a rooftop water tank. The police believe he may be involved in her death, and they need more time to finish their investigation.
The lawyer for Kemunto’s family, Danstan Omari, along with Shadrach Wamboi, expressed the family’s deep sorrow over her death. They called it femicide, a killing based on gender, and said it highlights the dangers women face. Omari emphasized that the crime took place at Multimedia University, a place where parents send their children, especially daughters, thinking it’s a safe environment.
On the other hand, the defense team argued that Mutinda hasn’t been formally charged yet and detaining him for too long could violate his rights. They also stated that the 19-year-old, who comes from a humble background, is willing to cooperate fully with the investigation, including agreeing to blood tests and an autopsy. They also pointed out that he is not a flight risk and should not be held longer than necessary.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both Kemunto and Mutinda were first-year students at MMU, with Kemunto studying Electrical Engineering and Mutinda studying Mathematics for Computer Science. They had been in a relationship since September 2024.
The court acknowledged how serious the crime is, as a life was lost, and decided that it was important to give investigators enough time to complete their work. Therefore, they ruled that Mutinda should not be released on bail at this stage and will remain in detention at Capitol Hill Police Station. The case will be discussed again on April 28.
Kemunto’s family has said they are leaving the case to the authorities and are just seeking justice. They described Kemunto as their only hope. Lawyer Shadrach Wamboi also added that if there are any others involved in the murder, they should also face the court.
