Man suspected of killing girlfriend, taking video of body to remain behind bars

By  Richard Munguti

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

A murder suspect accused of sending a video of his girlfriend's lifeless body to her family will spend two weeks in custody before the State decides whether to charge him with murder.

In the alleged video, a man's voice is heard saying "pumzika kwa amani" (rest in peace).

Nelson Ambia, who appeared in court wearing a T-shirt with the words "BAD BOYS", was presented before Magistrate Joan Mati, who allowed detectives from the homicide department of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to detain him for interrogation.

Ms Mati heard that Mr Ambia is being investigated over the murder of Feruz Hussein.

In court, he appeared unbothered by the proceedings and made gestures that appeared to mock the victim's family members who were present.

He did not oppose the police request to remand him for a fortnight for questioning over the killing.

Investigating officer Amos Menza, attached to Kasarani, told the court that police believe the victim was strangled to death. He said investigators are also probing allegations that Mr Ambia sent the video to Ms Hussein's mother and sister.

The officer further disclosed that Mr Ambia allegedly fled to Naivasha after the incident and was arrested following a 21-day manhunt.

The prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he has no known fixed residence in Nairobi and could be difficult to trace once released.

In her ruling, Ms Mati said the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to warrant the suspect's detention.

"The alleged trip to Naivasha is a sufficient grounds to deny him bond as that alone escalates his chances to turn up in court for further judicial processing," she ruled.

She allowed the prosecution's request to detain the suspect for 14 days and directed the DCI to complete its investigations within that period. She said police need to establish the origin of the video that has been circulating on social media.

However, the court required police to simultaneously investigate claims by the suspect that "on three separate incidents, a group of men attacked him and inflicted serious injuries".

Besides interviewing the suspect, police will record witness statements and escort him for a mental assessment to establish whether he is fit to stand trial.

The matter will be mentioned on November 5, 2026, for further directions.

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