Bond fight in Sylvia Kemunto murder case as DPP warns of public danger

The Director of Public Prosecutions has opposed the release on bond of Erick Mutinda Philip, a university student charged with the murder of Sylvia Kemunto Ayaye, a 20-year-old first-year student at Multimedia University of Kenya.

Through prosecuting counsel Peris Maina, the DPP told the court that femicide cases in the country have reached disturbing levels and argued that releasing Erick could pose a threat to public safety and disrupt peace and order.

"The court should take judicial notice of the alarming rise in femicide cases in the country, which has triggered public outrage and debate," Maina said.

The prosecution reminded the court of nationwide protests held on January 27, 2024, and 10th December 2024, in 11 counties, where citizens demanded justice and tougher measures against the killing of women.

Maina further warned that releasing the accused could cause fear among students and citizens and possibly interfere with investigations.

She added that Erick fled the university after the incident and contacted a witness, revealing plans to cross into Tanzania.

The prosecution also revealed that nine of the 19 witnesses are students at Multimedia University, including the accused’s roommate and classmates.

Maina cautioned that releasing Erick on bond could lead to interference with these witnesses.

The court heard that the accused allegedly murdered Sylvia on March 30, 2025, at the university campus along Magadi Road in Karen, Lang’ata Sub-County.

The two had previously been in an intimate relationship that reportedly ended in February 2025.

According to investigators, Erick had visited Sylvia in her hostel to discuss their breakup, during which he allegedly strangled her manually.

He is then said to have placed her body in a green suitcase and transported it to his room.

The body was later found in a half-filled water reservoir on the rooftop of the building where he lived.

A post-mortem report showed that Sylvia died of asphyxia due to ligature strangulation, with additional head injuries from blunt force trauma.

The prosecution has lined up 19 witnesses to support its case.

Lady Justice Diana Mochache has set four hearing dates: 23rd and 24th June 2025, and 21st and 22nd July 2025.

The court directed the defence team to respond to the DPP’s objection to bond within seven days before a ruling is delivered.