Battered woman Jackline Mwende's husband will remain in custody until his attempted murder case is heard and determined.
A Machakos court today denied Stephen Ngila release on bond, citing his security was at stake and that he might interfere with witnesses. The 34-year-old was accused of attempting to kill Mwende on July 18 at Ilinge village in Masii location, by chopping off her hands using a panga and inflicting other injuries.
“From the probation report presented, the background finding magnifies the existence of community hostility over the action," resident magistrate Kipukurui Kibellion said in his ruling.
"I therefore have no doubt in mind that the threat on the accused's personal safety is real."
Defence lawyer Moses Kamolo told journalists outside court that they would appeal the decision.
“The mere fact that my client lives in the same locality with the prosecution witnesses does not amount to compelling reasons,” Kamolo said.
The case will be mentioned on September 20. Mwende is receiving treatment at Kikuyu Hospital in Nairobi.
