In today’s court news two directors of Body by design and surgeon who were charged with the death of Lucy Wambui Kamau, have been released on a cash bail of Sh 500,000 each after spending over two weeks in remand.
The three are Lilian Wanjiru and her husband George Wakaria Njoroge who are directors and the surgeon Surgeon Robert Maweu Mutula.
In his ruling, Magistrate Samson Temu dismissed the prosecution’s objection to their release on bail saying that the fears that the accused might interfere with witnesses—most of whom were reportedly their former employees was not substantiated.
The magistrate noted that the clinic had since been shut down, meaning there were no longer any employees under the direct influence of the accused.
The court also pointed out that since the facility is no longer operational, there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“It is evident, even from social media, that the incident occurred in 2024. The accused have been out of custody for some time, and if they had any intention to interfere with witnesses, they had ample opportunity to do so. However, the court has not received any affidavit indicating that they approached or threatened any witnesses,” the court ruled.
He further noted that the prosecution had not made any formal request to place witnesses under protection, thereby weakening claims of potential interference.
The magistrate emphasized that continuing to hold the suspects in custody would only prolong the legal process without contributing meaningfully to the trial.
Further, he noted that the case currently lacks evidence of premeditation, stating, “There is no indication at this stage that the accused had any intention or motive to cause the death of the deceased.”
“For the sake of justice, and to ensure the smooth commencement of trial proceedings, I find it appropriate to grant the accused bail,” Magistrate Temu said.
The court granted each of the accused a bond of Ksh 1 million with an alternative cash bail of Ksh 500,000.
The case is scheduled for mention on April 28, 2025, for further directions.
The suspects were charged with the death of 47-year-old Lucy Wambui Kamau, who reportedly died on October 6, 2024, following a surgical procedure at Omnicare Medical Limited, also known as Body by Design
