KENYA. MAN ON DEATH ROW FREED

May 9, 2008: a man sentenced to death in Kenya was set free after a High Court accused police officers of infringing his constitutional rights.
Mr James Maina Muriuki was sentenced to death three years ago for robbery with violence. The sentence was, however, quashed by the High Court after it emerged that he was detained in police cells for more days than the law stipulates.
High Court judges Milton Makhandia and Lady Justice Mary Kasango said police officers breached Mr Muruki's constitutional rights by holding him for one and half months without taking him to court. He was arrested on February 4, 2004, on allegations of being involved in robberies and thefts in Sagana area within Kirinyaga District.
He denied violently robbing a Kenyatta National Hospital driver Michael Mutuku Nzioka of cash, personal effects and electronic gadgets at his home in Maganjo village, Sagana, on January 1, 2004. (Sources: All Africa, 09/05/2008)