Ulimboka Case Prime Suspect Wants Kenyan Envoy In Court

Kenyan High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mutinda Mutiso

Kenyan national Joshua Mulundi (21) is the prime suspect in the ‘Ulimboka kidnapping and attempted murder case’ and in an interesting turn of events he has asked the court to call the Kenyan High Commissioner to Tanzania to appear in court on his behalf. His case was brought up for mention yesterday before Resident Magistrate Agnes Mchome of Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court where the judge informed the defendant that it is not the court’s place nor duty to contact witnesses, advocates or anyone else for that matter for the defendants.

The defendant was however not satisfied with the judge's response, which included advice to him to write to the Kenyan High Commission stating his wishes and request, so he threatened to go on strike unless he got to see the authority in charge of the court other than the judge.

His wishes were granted and when he met the Principal Resident Magistrate Ilvin Mugeta, Mulundi inquired as to why the investigations were taking, in his words ‘so long’.

Mugeta informed him that the court has no jurisdiction over investigations but rather that was under the authority of the police department.

According to the charge sheet, it is alleged that, on June 26 2012 a the Leaders Club area in Kinondoni District, the accused, Mulundi, a cook from Murang’a, Kenya kidnapped Dr Ulimboka and with intent to kill, severely beat him and dumped him in the Mabwepande forest in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam.

The prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Tumaini Kweka, informed the court that investigations are still in progress. Also, the accused could not enter a plea because the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the case. Murder cares are normally heard by theHigh Court.

The accused remains in custody but the case was adjourned for later in the month, January 23, when it will be brought up for mention.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAn