The man at the center of the controversial murder case that has gripped the Multimedia University community has denied killing 21-year-old student Sylvia Kemunto.
Philip Eric Mutinda, who was arrested three weeks ago in connection with the brutal crime, entered a plea of not guilty during a tense appearance at the Kibera High Court on Tuesday.
Clad in a red-white hoodie, Mutinda stood quietly as Justice Diana Mochache Khavedza read the charge sheet.
The courtroom fell into a hush as the charges were laid bare.
“Mr. Mutinda, you are hereby charged with the murder of Sylvia Kemunto, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code. How do you plead?” the judge asked.
“Not guilty, Your Honour,” Mutinda responded in a low but firm voice.
Despite a push from his legal team for his immediate release on bond, the court declined to make a ruling, citing the serious nature of the case and the potential risk to witnesses.
“The court has taken into account the allegations presented, including concerns of witness interference. It is in the interest of justice that we await a full probation officer’s report before making any decision on bond,” ruled Justice Khavedza.
Mutinda’s lawyer, advocating for lenient bond terms, argued that the accused has cooperated fully with investigators.
“He is not a flight risk. He has every intention of facing this matter in court and clearing his name,” the defense told the court.
But the prosecution and the victim’s representatives painted a starkly different picture.
“This is a young man with no fixed place of residence. Releasing him on bond could sabotage the integrity of the trial. Many of the key witnesses are fellow students at Multimedia University, and they’re extremely vulnerable to intimidation,” said the victim’s family lawyer, urging the court to deny the bond application.
The judge directed Mutinda’s team to formally file a bond application, complete with a sworn affidavit, to support their request.
Justice Khavedza scheduled the next mention of the case for May 29, 2025, when the court expects to receive a detailed pre-bail report from the probation officer.
