The family of Boniface Byanyima is considering suing government for what they term as the unfair murder trial of their nephews Matthew Kanyamunyu and Joseph Kanyamunyu.
The two, together with Matthew’s girlfriend Cynthia Munwangari, are accused of killing Kenneth Watmon Akena, a child rights activist, in November last year.
They were committed to the High court last week after prosecution informed Nakawa Magistrate’s court that investigations were complete. Edith Byanyima, an aunt to Joseph and Matthew, told The Observer last week that they want justice and a fair trial at the High court.
“If Joseph Kanyamunyu wasn’t at the scene of murder, why is he charged with murder? I have read the case and there is no evidence Joseph was at the scene. Why is Cynthia charged with murder yet they clearly investigated and found, she didn’t shoot but assisted Matthew Kanyamunyu to carry the victim [Akena] into the vehicle? We want a fair trial,” she said.
Edith said the family has talked to several lawyers and they will soon file their suit.
“We have written to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) several times but he doesn’t respond and this appears to be malicious. This is unlawful prosecution and imprisonment since there is no murder by shooting when the suspect is not at the scene,” she said.
Edith is a sister to Winnie Byanyima, a wife to Dr Kizza Besigye, the former FDC president. Winnie is also the executive director of Oxfam International.
According to the DPP, there is sufficient evidence to sustain murder charges against the Kanyamunyus and Munwangari.
The DPP has also separately charged Joseph Kanyamunyu with a second count of being an accessory after the commission of an offence.
Matthew is suspected to have shot Akena, 33, in the stomach, on November 12, 2016 at Lugogo in Kampala after an altercation. Akena died hours later at Norvik hospital along Bombo road. But Matthew claims he only helped Akena to take him to hospital as a Good Samaritan.
zurah@observer.ug