Salgaa couple murder suspects remanded as court delays bail ruling
Crime and Justice
By
Daniel Chege
| Apr 25, 2026
Four suspects linked to the murder of an elderly couple in Salgaa, Nakuru County, will remain in custody for 25 more days pending a court ruling on their bail application.The victims, Joseph Kihiti, 90, and his wife Bethrosa Wanjiku, 63, were found dead with injuries inside their home in Muthiga Village on November 2, 2025.
On Thursday, Justice Patricia Gichohi ordered that the four suspects: Richard Wanjala, Michael Kipsang, Elly Njuguna and Collins Wekesa be remanded at Nakuru GK Prison until May 19.
The court also noted that Wanjala, Kipsang and Njuguna face a separate murder charge in connection with the killing of Margaret Wambui in Mosaiyet Village, Salgaa, on November 7, 2025, five days after the couple’s murder.
“The court orders that the four be detained pending the ruling on whether they will be released on bond,” ruled Justice Gichohi.
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The judge cited a heavy workload and a shortage of judges at the Nakuru station following the transfer of Justice Samwel Mohochi and the promotion of Justice Hedwig Ong’udi as the reason for the delayed ruling date.She further directed that Njuguna, who complained of illness, be taken to hospital under the supervision of prison warders.
The ruling followed an application by the prosecution seeking to deny the suspects bond on grounds that they are a flight risk.
Investigating Officer Police Constable Brian Makaga told the court that the suspects’ places of residence were unknown and that it took time to apprehend them.
“After committing the offence, they disappeared and were only arrested on March 28, 2026, at Belbur in Nakuru. We believe they are a flight risk,” he said. Makaga also argued that the suspects could interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations, noting that other suspects were yet to be arrested and additional witnesses traced.
He added that the seriousness of the case and public interest warranted that the suspects remain in custody during the trial.
However, the suspects, through their lawyers, opposed the application, maintaining that they are not a flight risk.
They argued that under Article 49 of the Constitution, they are entitled to bond unless compelling reasons are provided.“No compelling reasons have been presented to show that we will interfere with witnesses, especially since those lined up have already recorded their statements,” Kipsang said.
He added that he is a family man with two wives and five children and works as a security guard with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company in Salgaa, making his residence and workplace known.
The defence further argued that the delay in arrest did not amount to absconding, noting that Kipsang was arrested within Salgaa.“The allegations are vague, general and unproven. The prosecution has failed to provide compelling evidence,” Njuguna said.
Wanjala added that claims of possible witness interference were unfounded, as the suspects had been at large for over four months without any such incidents.“The prosecution’s file already contains recorded witness statements. We are willing to comply with any bond terms, including relocation,” the defence submitted.They also argued that the seriousness of the offence alone is not sufficient grounds to deny bond.
“The responsibility to trace and arrest suspects lies with the police, not the accused,” they said.The court will deliver its ruling on May 19.