Driver charged with killing two through reckless driving

The burial of Jackson Kobia Thirinja who was knocked down by a miraa vehicle.

Photo credit: Charles Wanyoro | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • After the accident, the accused had fled the scene but was later arrested and held for 10 days.
  • Family members have called for speedy hearing of the case so that justice can be served.

A miraa vehicle driver who caused the death of two people has been remanded in police custody by a county in Tigania, Meru County, to await bail ruling.

While appearing in court on Friday, the accused denied charges of causing the deaths through dangerous driving.

Tigania Law Courts Resident Magistrate Rose Ongira ordered Mr Moses Kaburu to be held at Nchiru Police Station until December 8, 2020 when bail ruling will be made.

Mr Kaburu is accused of causing the death of Mr Jackson Kobia and Ms Joaninah Kainga at Ngundune market, Tigania West on the evening of November 22, 2020 through reckless driving.

The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Michael Mutune, and family lawyer Marius Maranya, said the accused is a flight risk since miraa drivers are known to drive to as far as Somalia.

After the accident, the accused fled the scene but was later arrested and held for 10 days untile Friday when he was arraigned in court.

Mr Maranya also asked the court to set bail terms of substantial amount to ensure the suspect presents himself for the hearing of the case.

Ms Ongira, however, said there is insufficient evidence to show that Mr Kaburu had recently traveled to Somalia. The magistrate set the date of ruling for bail terms for December 8, 2020.

The case, which was held under a tent, attracted a huge crowd of family and friends who listened at the periphery, as court orderlies maintained set health protocols to curb Covid-19.

Family members, led by Meru County Assembly Majority Leader Victor Karithi, called for speedy hearing of the case so that justice can be served.