The Milimani High Court, on Friday, found that the late Juja MP George Thuo was poisoned at Porkies Club in Thika and convicted six people who had been charged with his murder.
Justice Roslyn Korir stated that the prosecution proved its case against Club owner Paul Wainaina Boiyo, also known as Sheki, Thuo’s aide Christopher Lumbazio Andika, also known as Lumba, DJs Andrew Karanja Wainaina and Samuel Kuria Ngugi, also known as Visi, Esther Ndinda Mulinge, a waiter, and a patron, Ruth Watahi Irungu, also known as Atlanta.
The six are said to have committed the offence at the Porkies Garden Restaurant in Thika Town in 2013, where they poisoned the deceased’s drink with Cyhalothrin Pesticide which the Judge said would lead to death in five to ten minutes once ingested into the body.
Traces of the poison were found in his liver, kidney, and the shirt the ex-MP was wearing on the material day. “I find the forensic evidence clearly shows Thuo consumed a poisoned laced drink at Porkies club,” the Judge said.
The Judge mentioned that the prosecution’s evidence did not show any of the accused had the poison, but that alone would not exonerate them if there was any circumstantial evidence linking them to the murder. “Poison is a chemical weapon.
I reject the submission that they would be acquitted if they are not found in possession of the poison,” she said. “I have considered the prosecution case and I’m satisfied that accused persons number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are guilty of the charge of murder under section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC),” Judge Korir ruled.
The judge also considered discrepancies in witness testimonies about the number of drinks Thuo consumed, suggesting tampering with his drink. Investigating officer Chief Inspector Maxwell Otieno confirmed Thuo’s drinks and clothing tested positive for poison.
A post-mortem concluded Thuo died from internal bleeding caused by poisoning. Otieno also interviewed all suspects, finding inconsistencies in their statements that pointed to their involvement. Witness testimonies, including that of Thuo’s widow, further supported the prosecution’s case. The judge ordered the six convicts detained until their sentencing hearing on May 3rd, 2024
