Looks matter, at least in the dock, as attested to by a robbery with violence suspect who raised the matter of before his trial court.

Vincent Ogutu who took to the dock last week told a Makadara court that he regretted looking untidy before the trial magistrate and that it was not his fault. He actually pointed a finger at the prison officers in the court who failed to hand him his personal belongings including a bar of soap brought by his relatives who paid him a visit.

“Your honour, I want my Geisha soap and other things including toothpaste to be handed back to me, that way my case will proceed smoothly and anytime I face you I will be in good shape. I don’t want to be looking dirty before you,” requested Ogutu. Vincent Ogutu 35, is facing a robbery with violence charge where he is accused that on January 12, 2012 he broke into Unilever Kenya Limited company stores and stole goods worth Sh366, 751, and in the process killed Harrison Muchoki Chege

Alternatively, Ogutu who was then a casual worker at the company, was charged with handling stolen goods on diverse dates between the months of February 2012 to July 2013 for his own benefit.

Police believe Ogutu is culpable following review of CCTV footage, which they claim shows  Ogutu and other accomplices attacking a night guard, tying his hands and legs using computer cable and finally strangling him to death.

It is said that the assailants vandalised stationery and computers before making away with mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, a Sony camera, a brass-beaded head ball and a cheque, all valued at a Sh366, 751.

Following investigations, the accused was arrested at his home in Huruma on July 15, 2013 after a stolen phone was traced to a different person who said they bought it from the accused.Ogutu had applied for a fresh hearing and was before the new court where he made the remarks.

The court has now asked for the original file of the case to be set before it, before giving a way forward on the hearing of Ogutu’s case afresh.