NAIROBI -Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions has strongly opposed bail for a university student accused of murdering his former girlfriend, warning that releasing him could endanger public safety and obstruct justice.
Appearing before the High Court on Wednesday, state counsel Peris Maina urged the judge to deny bond to 23-year-old Erick Mutinda Philip, who is charged with killing 20-year-old Sylvia Kemunto Ayaye, a first-year student at Multimedia University.
“This is not just about one tragic case,” Maina told the court. “We must take judicial notice of the alarming spike in femicide in this country. Granting bond in such a climate could erode public trust and endanger lives.”
The prosecution argued that Erick fled the university immediately after the crime and later contacted a key witness, expressing an intent to escape to Tanzania. That, prosecutors said, makes him a serious flight risk.
Nine of the 19 witnesses lined up for trial are fellow students at the university, including the accused’s own roommate. That fact alone, Maina argued, raises the risk of interference if he is released.
Grisly Allegations and a Community in Shock
Erick is accused of murdering Sylvia on 30 March 2025 in her hostel room at the Multimedia University campus in Karen, Nairobi. According to court filings, the two were in a relationship that ended weeks before her death.
Investigators say he visited her that evening under the guise of wanting to talk. Once inside, he allegedly strangled her, packed her body in a suitcase, and moved it to his own hostel room. Her remains were discovered two days later inside a rooftop water tank.
A post-mortem report confirmed that Sylvia died from asphyxiation caused by strangulation. The medical examiner also noted signs of blunt force trauma to her head.
A Broader Context of Violence
Sylvia’s killing shocked the country and fuelled growing anger over gender-based violence. In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a wave of protests demanding stronger protections for women and faster prosecution of such crimes.
Rights groups have called the rise in femicide a national emergency. In response, the Judiciary and the DPP’s office have vowed to fast-track trials in cases involving violence against women.
“This is about ensuring justice, not just for Sylvia, but for all victims whose stories remain untold,” said Esther Muthoni, a legal officer with the Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA-K). “The courts must send a clear message that such crimes will be met with serious consequences.”
Next Steps in the Case
The High Court, presided over by Justice Diana Mochache, has scheduled four hearing dates in June and July. The DPP’s office says it intends to present all 19 witnesses within that period.
Meanwhile, the defence team has seven days to respond to the prosecution’s objection to bond. A ruling on the bail application is expected thereafter.
Erick Mutinda remains in custody at Nairobi Remand Prison. His legal team has declined to comment publicly on the allegations.
