Samuel Wanjiru inquest put off over row
Samuel Wanjiru's mother Hannah Wanjiru at the balcony which her son is said to have fallen from. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Wanjiru’s mother, Ms Hannah Wanjiru, insisted that the case be heard in Nairobi as ruled by a court
- Widow Tereza Njeri wanted it in Nyahururu where the tragedy occurred and where most of the witnesses live
An inquest into the death of Olympic champion Samuel Wanjiru was put off on Tuesday as the family argued over where the hearing should take place.
Wanjiru’s mother, Ms Hannah Wanjiru, insisted that the case be heard in Nairobi as ruled by a court, while widow Tereza Njeri wanted it in Nyahururu where the tragedy occurred and where most of the witnesses live.
On Tuesday, State counsel Naylor Omukofu confirmed that there was an order issued by Mr Justice Anyara Emukule that an inquest be held in Nairobi.
Wanjiru died on the night of May 15, 2011, at his house in Muthaiga, Nyahururu, after he reportedly fell from his 14-foot balcony.
STRONGLY OBJECTED
But Mr Ndegwa Wahome for Tereza strongly objected, saying Nairobi would be expensive for the over 20 witnesses since they lived in Nyahururu.
“The death occurred in Nyahururu. What is the rationale of the hearing being in Nairobi?” he posed.
“I know the Nairobi courts diaries are full and as you can see my client is young with very young children and wants to get over this matter and move on with life,” said Mr Ndegwa.
He suggested that a magistrate could be seconded to the Nyahururu court to preside over the inquest.
Mr Omukofu said he had no objection to a magistrate being posted.
The commencement of the inquest kicked off a furore, with Wanjiru’s mother expressing discontent on the way the matter was being conducted without involvement of the entire family who were also expected to testify.
She insisted on the inquest being heard in Nairobi, saying she had no faith with Nyahururu police handling the matter.
Mr Mikoyani said he would give directions next Monday.
The mention was attended by Wanjiru’s widow, friends and also his mother during the early morning session that also attracted a large crowd of his ardent fans.