Six Freed on Bond in George Thuo Murder Case Pending Appeal

The late George Thuo, former Juja MP.

In a major twist to a case that has gripped the country for over a decade, the Court of Appeal has released six individuals previously convicted of the murder of former Juja Member of Parliament, George Thuo. The six were granted Sh1 million bond each, with one surety of a similar amount, as they await the outcome of their appeal.

A three-judge bench delivered the decision, noting that although the High Court had found the six guilty of poisoning the former legislator in 2013, there was insufficient evidence showing they acted in common intent to commit the crime.

Among those freed are Paul Wainaina Boiyo (alias Sheki), the owner of Porkies Club in Thika where Thuo died; Christopher Lumbazio Andika (alias Lumba), a close aide of the MP; DJs Andrew Karanja Wainaina and Samuel Kuria Ngugi (alias Vizzy); waitress Esther Ndinda Mulinge; and club patron Ruth Watahi Irungu (alias Atlanta).

The six had been convicted in April 2024 and sentenced to 15 years in prison following a ruling that found them guilty of administering poison to Thuo. According to the initial judgment, the former MP died of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis caused by ingestion of Cyhalothrin, a toxic pesticide. The court had relied heavily on forensic evidence showing traces of the substance in Thuo’s system.

George Thuo collapsed on the night of November 17, 2013, while having drinks with friends at Porkies Club in Thika. His sudden death raised eyebrows, with toxicology results later revealing the presence of poison. The six suspects were arrested, charged, and after years of trial, convicted.

The six individuals previously convicted for the murder of former Juja MP George Thuo.

However, in their appeal, the defense argued that while four of the accused were seated at the same table as Thuo that night, there was no direct evidence proving any of them laced his drink or had a shared motive to cause harm. The Court of Appeal agreed there were gaps in the prosecution’s case, enough to merit their release pending a full appeal hearing.

The ruling has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters of the six celebrating the temporary freedom, while others, especially those close to the late MP, expressed concern over the slow pace of justice.

George Thuo, who served as Juja MP from 2007 to 2013, was a prominent political figure and businessman. His death sent shockwaves across the political landscape, and the trial that followed was closely watched by the public.

As the appeal process unfolds, the families of both the convicted and the deceased now wait anxiously for the final verdict hoping for closure to a case that has lingered for nearly 12 years.

Reporting by: Kelvin Ng’ang’a
Thika, Kenya – July 10, 2025