REPULIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI
CRIMINAL DIVISION
CRIMINAL CASE NO.90 OF 2001
The accused persons were charged with murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the Penal Code. They appeared in court on 22nd November, 2001 when the plea was taken and they pleaded not guilty. The hearing started on 11th June, 2002. The hearing was before Mutitu J. The prosecution had called 9 witnesses but before the trial was concluded the trial judge was suspended. Mr. Maino for the accused applies that the trial before Mutitu J be declared a mistrial. He cited the case of R. VS. STANLEY NJOROGE MUNENE & 12 OTHERS CRIMINAL CASE NO.18 OF 2000 in similar circumstances which this court declared the trial before Etyang J a mistrial. In view of that decision Mr. Mungai for the state conceded.
The application is allowed and the trial before Mutitu J so far is declared a mistrial and discharge the accused persons. This is a situation for which neither side is blameable and therefore I order that the state be at liberty to present fresh charges against the accused persons if it so wishes.