High Court to rule on Kanyamunyu bail next week
Mathew Kanyamunyu greets a well-wisher after the collapse of his bail application. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa
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Kanyamunyu’s lawyer said his client's company, Quantaum Express Logistics, where he is the general manager since 2012, is suffering losses because of his absence
However, Senior State Attorney, Ms Immaculate Angutoko asked the judge to uphold his earlier decision of denying Kanyamunyu bail
KAMPALA- .The High Court in Kampala on Thursday set Wednesday next week to rule on whether to release on bail jailed businessman Mathew Kanyamunyu who accused of murdering a social worker
The setting of the ruling date by the presiding Judge Yasin Nyanzi, followed arguments in favour and against his release by defence lawyers and state lawyer, respectively.
Kanyamunyu is accused of murdering a child rights activist, Kenneth Akena last November at Lugogo, a Kampala suburb.
This is his third attempt to apply for bail pending the hearing of his case.
Kanyamunyu’s lawyer, Mr Evans Ocheng listed several grounds to support his client’s bail application which included; a fixed place of residence at Royal Palms Estate in Nakawa Division and his commitment to attend court at all times as and when required, upon being granted bail.
He also argued that since his co-accused (Ms Cynthia Munwangari and his elder brother, Mr Joseph Kanyamunyu)
who are facing similar charges like his client, have since been granted bail, before asking court to consider Kanyamunyu's case also.
Kanyamunyu’s lawyer said his client's company, Quantaum Express Logistics, where he is the general manager since 2012, is suffering losses because of his absence.
Mr Ochieng told court that his client is a law abiding citizen with no prior criminal record and that he would not interfere with police investigations since they are complete.
However, Senior State Attorney, Ms Immaculate Angutoko asked the judge to uphold his earlier decision of denying Kanyamunyu bail.
“The applicant (Kanyamunyu) has previously applied for bail before this court and he was denied. The grounds for his new bail application are the same and nothing new has been put on record to compel this court to grant him bail,” Ms Angutoko said.
Ms Angutoko maintains that the evidence before court is sufficient enough to convict Kanyamunyu whose murder charge carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
She said the severity of the offense increases his chances of absconding from court once granted bail.
However, Justice Nyanzi was furious with the prosecution’s submission that Kanyamunyu should be denied bail because his case is of a public interest and it attracts many people who need protection.
“All people are equal before the law. I do not want to hear that [argument] again. What should poor people who cannot afford to attract media do? You cannot convince me that these people in court need to be protected and my reaction is always the same weather the court is fully packed or not,” Justice Nyanzi said.
Prosecution allegess that the three accused on November 12, while on Kampala-Jinja Road near Malik Car Bond, opposite Uganda Manufacturers Association offices in Lugogo, Nakawa Division, with malice aforethought, caused Akena’s death.
