Kanyamunyu Murder Trial Fails to Kick Off

Hearing of the murder trial against city businessman, Matthew Kanyamunyu, his brother Joseph Kanyamunyu and his Burundian girlfriend, Cynthia Munwangari which was set for Monday failed to kickoff in the High Court.

Last month, Mathew Kanyamunyu, the Executive Director of Quantum Express Logistics pleaded not guilty to murdering Kenneth Akena, a social worker.

Matthew and his girlfriend, Cynthia are jointly accused of murdering, Kenneth Akena, a social worker on November 12, 2016.

In December, Joseph also pleaded not guilty to the accessory of murder charge. Prosecution alleges that Joseph removed the pistol said to have been used in the murder of Akena from his brother’s car.

Today, Fatina Nakafeero, who represented the DPP told Court that she had not disclosed her evidence to the defence lawyers led by Macdusman Kabega, and thus, she couldn’t proceed with hearing the matter.

She said: “I can not proceed to present witnesses without undergoing this requisite pre-trial step,” before asking Justice Steven Mubiru to adjourn the case to the next session.

To the effect, Mubiru, furthered the trial to the next convenient criminal session saying that he couldn’t fix another date since he has only two weeks to end his session.

Each judge is given four sessions every year and each session has about 40 criminal cases. Mubiru’s session will be ending in two week’s period and this can not allow sufficient time to hear the case or fix a date for hearing.

Prosecution alleges that Kanyamunyu on November 12, 2016 while on Kampala-Jinja Road near Malik Car Bond, opposite Uganda Manufacturers Association offices at Lugogo Nakawa, caused Akena’s death by shooting with malice aforethought.

Mathew and Cynthia claim they only acted out of good will to help transport Akena who was badly bleeding to Norvic Hospital in Kampala.

However, it is alleged that prior to his death, Akena told medics at Norvik hospital that the people who took him there were responsible for his shooting.

In October last year, High Court granted bail to Kanyamunyu on grounds that staying in detention would have a financial implication on government.

The five sureties presented by Kanyamunyu’s lawyers were also found to be substantial and eligible.