Former Java boss to answer defilement charges

A Nairobi court has ruled that former hotel executive Jon Cardon Wagner has a case to answer against allegations that he defiled two primary school girls.

In a short ruling delivered Monday afternoon, senior resident magistrate Teresia Ngugi said that after considering the evidence adduced by the prosecution, she was satisfied that Mr Wagner should defend himself against the defilement charges.

"…this court finds that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the accused persons," said the magistrate.

Mr Wagner is accused of defiling two underage girls at his Lavington home between June 5 and 7 last year.

Two women, Fetha Nyamweru and Judy Nyaguthie have been charged alongside him with exposing the girls to prostitution.

The magistrate also ruled that they should defend themselves against the allegations.

The three have denied the charges and are out of custody on bond.

The prosecution led by chief inspector Robert Kyaa called a total of 22 witnesses during the trial.

Immediately after the ruling, Mr Wagner through lawyer Ian Maina said that he would give a sworn statement in his defence. He told the magistrate that he would be calling 10 witnesses to ward off the allegations.

The lawyer told the magistrate that he would require at least three days to defend his clients against the accusations.