A student from Multimedia University has been charged with the murder of his classmate, Sylvia Kemunto, in a case that has gripped the campus community and drawn national attention.
On Thursday, Erick Mutinda appeared before the High Court in Nairobi, where he pleaded not guilty to a single count of murder. The court heard that Mutinda had undergone a mental assessment and was declared fit to stand trial.
Represented by lawyer Johnstone Jnr, the accused confirmed that his defence team had received the necessary documents from the prosecution. The court was told that at least 17 witnesses are expected to give evidence.
The case is scheduled to begin on 26 January 2026, with four witnesses expected to testify on the opening day.
Mutinda remains in custody. The court has twice declined to grant him cash bail, most recently on Thursday, when the judge ruled that no testimony had yet been heard.
Lawyer Danstan Omari, appearing alongside Shadrach Wambui for the family of the late Kemunto, opposed Mutinda’s release. “The family is seeking justice, and any decision to free the accused before witnesses are heard would compromise the case,” Mr Omari told the court.
Kemunto’s death shocked Multimedia University earlier this year, sparking protests and calls for greater protection of female students. University officials have said they are cooperating fully with investigators and offering counselling support to affected students.
For now, attention shifts to January, when the trial will open in Nairobi’s High Court. Both the prosecution and defence are expected to mount vigorous cases, as the family of Sylvia Kemunto awaits justice.
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