A Kirinyaga court has granted bail to John Muriithi Karaya, the owner of California Bar, where 17 people tragically lost their lives after consuming illicit alcohol in Kangai and Mutithi villages, Mwea-West Sub-County.

Justice Richard Mwongo of the Kerugoya Law Courts released Karaya on a Ksh. 1 million bond, with an equivalent surety. His case is scheduled for mention on January 16, 2024.

PHOTO | COURTESY The victims 

Karaya, represented by lawyer Kemunto Magara, initially applied for bail on April 11, 2024, but the request was declined.

Did you read this?

  1. Man Sentenced To 40 Years For The Brutal Murder Of Wife And Four Children
  2. Man Arrested For Fatally Stabbing Wife In Kirinyaga County
  3. Police arrest criminal gang linked to livestock theft in Kirinyaga

The court stated that the application could be reconsidered after testimony from at least seven witnesses within 60 to 90 days of the initial filing.

The accused faces two charges: causing the deaths of 17 individuals through the sale of the illicit brew and stealing exhibits stored at Kiamaciri Police Station.

PHOTO | COURTESY The victims

Karaya was initially charged alongside several others, including his brother, Anthony Muthee, owner of Muiguru Bar, and Lydiah Wanjiru.

Four police officers from Kiamaciri Police Station—Francis Mutethia, Allan Kimanzi, Brian Kariuki, and Kennedy Mugambi—were also implicated. All co-accused were granted bond on April 12, 2024.

The case continues to draw public attention, with the subsequent court proceedings anticipated early next year.