- 17 people who went to drink alcohol in the California bar in Kirinyaga died after drinking suspected illegal alcohol
- The deaths of 17 people prompted the police to launch an investigation, leading to the arrest of bar owner John Muriithi Karaya
- Several months later, Muriithi was released on bond, with his trial scheduled for January 16, 2025.
Kirinyaga: A court has granted bond to John Muriithi Karaya, the owner of a California bar, where 17 people died tragically after drinking suspected illegal alcohol.
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The incident happened in the villages of Kangai and Mutithi in Mwea-Magharibi Sub-County.
Was the Kirinyaga bar owner released on bond?
Muriithi, who has been charged in connection with the deaths, was released on a bond of KSh 1 million, while a surety was set for the same amount.
His case is scheduled to be mentioned on January 16, 2025, as confirmed by Judge Richard Mwongo.
The bar owner's release follows the dismissal of an earlier bond application by his lawyer, Kemunto Magara, in April 2024.
At that time, the court ruled that the bail application can be reconsidered after seven witnesses testify, with the proceedings expected to be completed within 60 to 90 days from April 11, 2024.
However, after going through the case, the False Judge agreed to give Muriithi a bond.
“I am happy that my client has been released on bail. On Friday morning, I will be processing the bail for him to be released,” Magara told TUKO.co.ke.
What charges is Muriithi facing?
Muriithi is facing two serious charges: one of causing the deaths of 17 people due to the consumption of illegal alcohol in the villages of Kangai and Mutithi, and the other of stealing exhibits stored at the Kiamaciri Police Station.
Apart from Muriithi, the case initially involved several others, including his brother, Anthony Muthee, who owns Muiguru Bar; Lydiah Wanjiru; and police officers from Kiamaciri Police Station: Francis Mutethia, Allan Kimanzi, Brian Kariuki, and Kennedy Mugambi.
These people were granted bail as early as April 12, 2024.
Speaking to TUKO.co, ke Magara said that his client will obey the court's orders, which include not living outside of Kirinyaga county while awaiting further charges.
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 17 people, sparked a wider debate about the dangers of illegal alcohol and the role of bar owners and local authorities in supplying the substance.
The outcome of this case remains a topic of public interest as it unfolds in the coming months.
1 dies, 2 go blind after drinking illegal alcohol in Kirinyaga
In a separate incident, a 55-year-old man lost his life after drinking suspected illegal alcohol in Kandongu village, Kirinyaga county.
Two other people who lost their eyesight were rushed to the Kandongu clinic for treatment.
According to a resident, the 55-year-old man refused to reveal where he bought the alcohol and died while being treated at a local facility.
Story by Valary Akoth, TUKO.co.ke writer.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
