Police have been allowed to detain — for 14 days — Genesio Fundi, a 26-year-old man from Iravari village in Mbeere South, Embu County, who is accused of slashing his wife to death.

Appearing before the Siakago Magistrate Court in Mbeere North, Embu County, on Wednesday, November 13, Fundi was ordered to remain in custody at Kiritiri Police Station pending the conclusion of investigations into the brutal murder of 24-year-old Gladys Thaara.

Senior Prosecution Counsel Eric Momanyi submitted a miscellaneous application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to hold Fundi for two weeks until investigations are complete.

He submitted that his children — aged 5 and 9 years — who are yet to record statements are principal witnesses and the respondent could harm them if released on bond.

Momanyi further submitted that preliminary investigations indicate that the community is angered by the actions to kill the respondent’s wife and could harm him if released on bond.

While opposing the application, Fundi submitted that he was not feeling well and had not eaten for days adding that he is on medication administered at Embu Level Five Hospital.

Principal Magistrate Stephen Ngii allowed the prosecution’s application, dismissing Fundi’s plea to be released on bond.

The magistrate observed despite the fact that the respondent has a constitutional right to be released on bond, there are circumstances when the same can be denied with supporting reasons as outlined by the prosecution.

He noted that the respondent can still get medication while in custody, further ordering the OCS Kiritiri Police Station to ensure the suspect gets appropriate medication while in custody.

Fundi is suspected of killing his wife in cold blood as his children watched helplessly at Iravari village in Mbeere South, Embu County and went ahead to harm his worker who is still recuperating in hospital.