Mawanda Asuman, a Ugandan herbalist, has denied any involvement in the brutal murder of Ferdinand Ongeri, the 40-year-old deputy chairman of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) in Kisumu.
Ongeri’s decomposed body was found dumped in a forest in Nandi County five years ago.
Appearing before Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi, Asuman, who had been identified as the prime suspect, stated that he was in Uganda when he learned of Ongeri’s tragic death.
Asuman described Ongeri as both a client and a friend.
Asuman, who operates his herbal business in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, told the court that there was no substantial evidence linking him to the murder.
He also addressed the seizure of a bag by police officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, which had been suspected of belonging to the murdered nurse.
Asuman clarified that the bag in question was his, containing his personal belongings, including his passport, national ID, and a practicing certificate for his trade.
The herbalist is facing charges for Ongeri’s death, which occurred between July 24 and July 27, 2019, in Kimondi Forest, Nandi County. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution had argued against granting him bond, citing concerns that he might flee. As a result, Asuman was denied bond.
Ongeri had been reported missing after successfully negotiating a promotion for nurses with officials from Kisumu County’s health department.
His body was discovered by a herdsman following a search by his colleagues, friends, and family.
The case is set to return to court for mention on January 16, 2025, to confirm whether both the prosecution and defense have filed their submissions.
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