JAMES KARUGA KAMAU
V.
REPUBLIC

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

The appellant, James Karuga Kamau, was charged with murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the Penal Code pursuant to an information filed by the Attorney-General on behalf of the Republic. The particulars of the offence were as follows:-

“JAMES KARUGA KAMAU: On 4^th day of August, 2005 at Mathioya River Kanyenyaini Bridge in Kiawambogo s/location in Muranga District of the Central Province murdered SUSAN JEAN KING.”

According to the record the appellant was arraigned before the Deputy Registrar of the High Court at Nyeri (R.N. Nyakundi, Esq.,) on the 30^th September, 2005 when his case was fixed for the plea to be taken on 12^th October, 2005. Come the 12^th October, 2005, the appellant was arraigned before Okwengu J. who took the plea. The appellant pleaded “Not Guilty” to the charge and the case was adjourned to 24^th October, 2005 for fixing of a hearing date. On 24^th October, 2005 the case was mentioned and the hearing date fixed for 22^nd June, 2…