The prime suspect in the murder of Nairobi Hospital Finance boss Eric Maigo on Friday pleaded not guilty to murder.
While appearing at the Milimani law courts in Nairobi for mention, the suspect unexpectedly reversed her plea, changing from an initial guilty plea to pleading not guilty.
The suspect's change of tune follows an initial directive by the court to her lawyer directing her attorney to properly advise their client on the details and gravity of her case.
"I am giving you more time so that you can consult your lawyer and get an understanding of what you have told the court," the judge directed.
On 26th October, the suspect appeared before Justice Kaanyi Kimondo, where she pleaded guilty to murder, weeks after the prosecution told the court she was an adult of sound mind and was fit to face trial.
Prior to her arraignment in court, the suspect was held at the Lang'ata Women's Prison.
The court also refused to release the suspect on bond since detectives had filed an affidavit disputing her age.
On September 15, Maigo was found dead at his home in Woodley Estate in Nairobi, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for the suspect who was captured on CCTV jumping over the fence.
After weeks of search, the suspect was arrested in Kibera by detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Maigo was buried on September 29 even as his father, Zebedeo Onchari, refuted claims that his son attempted to cause harm to anyone.
"He is our son and we know him. I cannot imagine what wrong he could do to anyone for them to murder or eliminate him. Because we know that he was a kind person, we believe that is what killed him," he stated at the funeral.
