5 in pupil murder case fail to take plea

St Augustine’s Preparatory School head teacher Sara Kesi (far right) and her co-accused arraigned in Mombasa High Court on July 26, 2017. They are charged with the murder of one of their pupils but have not yet taken a plea. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The court had also directed that the accused be released on a Sh1 million personal bond.
  • The judge also directed the prosecution to supply the defence with all documents they intend to rely on.

A head teacher and four employees facing a murder charge after a pupil was crushed to death by a school bus are yet to undergo a psychiatric examination before they take plea.

Prosecuting counsel Ngina Mutua said she had been informed by the investigating officer that a doctor who was supposed to conduct the mental assessment was on leave.

Ms Sara Kesi, Mr Venant Mwaliko (bursar), Mr Valdi Mbadi (driver), Mr Abednego Fundi Mwendwa (mechanic) and Mr Charo Kazungu Charo (conductor) have been charged with the murder of six-year-old Jeremy Masila of St Augustine’s Preparatory School.

The boy, 6, was ran over by the back wheels of the bus when he fell down through an opening on the floor of the bus.

OFFENCE

The accused had previously been informed of the charge facing them but were not required to take plea since they had not undergone a mental test as required by law.

The case, which was mentioned Monday before the High Court Deputy Registrar, has been fixed for mention on September 20.

The offence was committed on July 21 at Sega within Mombasa County.

RELEASE

The court had also directed that the accused be released on a Sh1 million personal bond and report to the police every Monday until they take plea.

The judge also directed the prosecution to supply the defence with all documents they intend to rely on.

The accused, when they first appeared in court, said they intended to challenge their prosecution.