Patrick Kagunda Karanja, a pastor from Gatundu South in Kiambu County, has been granted a Ksh 2 million bond with a matching surety after pleading not guilty to murder charges. Appearing before High Court Judge Florence Muchemi, Kagunda is accused of murdering Francis Gichini on February 3, 2025, in Gatundu South Sub-county.

Kagunda’s defense team, led by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, argued for his release on bond, highlighting his prolonged detention without formal charges. They emphasized that as a pastor with a wife and child, he posed no flight risk and deserved his constitutional rights. However, the prosecution, represented by Principal Prosecution Counsel Esther Torosi, opposed the bond application. Victim’s legal representatives, including lawyer Karuku Wachira, expressed concerns that Kagunda’s release could compromise witness testimonies and evidence. They also raised security issues, stating that public hostility in Kagunda’s home village of Ituuru could endanger his life if he were released.

Despite these objections, Justice Muchemi ruled in favor of the defense, granting Kagunda the Ksh 2 million bond with a matching surety. She ordered that he remain in Nairobi Remand until the bond process is completed. The case is scheduled for mention on March 25, 2025.