- A Meru court ruled on the detention of a Catholic nun following the murder of Sister Anselmina Karimi
- Investigators explained the reasons why they demanded her detention and also raised concerns over inconsistencies in the suspect’s account
- The court cited the reasons for considering the application, including the need to accompany her for DNA analysis
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
A Meru Law Court has ordered the 14-day detention of a Catholic nun suspected of involvement in the death of her elderly colleague, Sister Anselmina Karimi, at Nkabune in Imenti East.
Source: Getty Images
Sister Caroline Kanjiru appeared before the court on Tuesday, October 14, following her arrest linked to the incident reported at Nkubu Police Station.
What did investigators say about Kanjiru’s detention?
Investigators revealed that although Kanjiru claimed Karimi died en route to Nkubu Hospital, the deceased was found with bruises on her hands and legs, raising suspicions of foul play.
The prosecution’s application demanding her detention argued that the suspect faces hostility from the public, poses a flight risk, and may interfere with witnesses.
They also cited the need for her to be escorted to the government chemist in Nairobi for DNA analysis and mental assessment, noting that a postmortem is yet to be conducted.
Kanjiru’s lawyer opposed the application, stating that the suspect voluntarily surrendered to authorities, the area is not hostile, and that the Catholic Church is willing to provide security.
He argued there was no compelling reason for detention and that Kanjiru was ready to comply with any court conditions.
Why did the court order Kanjiru’s detention?
In her ruling, the judge emphasised the seriousness of the alleged offense and the potential for public unrest due to the suspect’s social standing.
“In my opinion, it is necessary for the suspect’s own safety and protection and to prevent public outrage and retaliation, to have her detained at this stage. And also to enable the suspect to be escorted to the government chemist for DNA analysis. I therefore find merit in the application and direct that the suspect be detained for 14 days,” the judge said.
The court ordered that Kanjiru be held at Meru Police Station pending further investigations.
“Once the investigations are completed, either the suspect will be charged with the offense or she will be exonerated from custody, by which time the society’s anger will have been quelled,” she added.
Source: Facebook
Did Asumbi’s sister beat her colleague?
Elsewhere, a troubling video emerged online weeks ago showing a nun from the Franciscan Sisters of Asumbi (FSJ) physically assaulting a younger colleague in the presence of their staff.
Despite the victim’s pleas, the senior nun continued to slap her repeatedly while shouting demeaning insults.
FSJ superior general Sister Mary Goretty Ochieng condemned the incident as deeply regrettable and confirmed that internal disciplinary procedures had been initiated to address the matter.
Additional reporting by Brian Gitonga, TUKO.co.ke correspondent.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
