The prime suspect in the murder of social worker Kenneth Akena was this morning told to expect a ruling on his second application to be released on bail in a week’s time.
Mathew Kanyamunyu was appearing in the High Court where he pleaded to be released on bail because he has been on remand for longer than stipulated in the Constitution.
Secondly he told court that his businesses are collapsing because of his continued stay in Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
Citing the examples of his co-accused Cynthia Munwangari his girlfriend, and brother, Joseph Kanyamunyu, who were earlier released on bail, he said he too would honour the release conditions and turn up whenever needed.
This plea, however, met with objection from State Attorney Immaculate Agutoku. The official observed that the accused has no known place of abode, having not presented receipts for rent paid in court.
She also said that he shouldn’t be released due to the immense public interest in the case.
Agutoku was equally unimpressed with Kanyamunyu’s appeal around his business fortunes, pointing out that he has relatives, some of whom “have even turned up in court. They can take care of his businesses”.
Judge Yasin Nyanzi set August 23 as the day he will rule on the application.
Kanyumunyu was arrested along with Cynthia in the shooting to death of Akena in Lugogo, Kampala last November. His brother, Joseph, was later picked up during police investigations.
The crime attracted wide public attention and comment on social media. It has become very political also with dangerous parallels being drawn with the so-called Acholi-Banyakole historical contest for national power.
The case also resulted in some Acholi MPs belonging to the Forum for Democratic Change party splitting ranks with party founder, Dr Kizza Besigye whose wife, Winnie Byanyima, stood surety for the accused brothers who are her nephews.
In March, Judge Nyanzi released on bail Joseph Kanyamunyu and Cynthia.
While he has been on remand, the Uganda Revenue Authority is reported to have closed his company, Quantum Express Logistics (QEL) in April over unpaid taxes. He co-owns QEL with journalist-cum-businessman Andrew Mwenda.
