The Court of Appeal kept three men free from murder charges after an eight-year wait for trial. Judges said delays hurt the right to fair and fast court hearings. The case began in 2015 when police arrested three men for killing Harrison Munga in Kwale. Court dates kept moving back as witnesses failed to show up. Only two people testified during the seven years of court visits.
Judges closed the case in 2022 because police never brought key witnesses to court. The state wanted another chance to present evidence, but appeals judges refused. They said making accused people wait eight years breaks their rights under the law. The court noted that long trials create unfair harm to people who must be seen as innocent until proven guilty. Family and friends often doubt someone facing charges for many years.
Judges also said fast trials help the state improve the justice system. The ruling sends a message to prosecutors about finishing cases quickly. The court decided that both victims and the accused deserve trials without endless delays.
Judges closed the case in 2022 because police never brought key witnesses to court. The state wanted another chance to present evidence, but appeals judges refused. They said making accused people wait eight years breaks their rights under the law. The court noted that long trials create unfair harm to people who must be seen as innocent until proven guilty. Family and friends often doubt someone facing charges for many years.
Judges also said fast trials help the state improve the justice system. The ruling sends a message to prosecutors about finishing cases quickly. The court decided that both victims and the accused deserve trials without endless delays.
