Kenyatta University Student Found Dead After Disappearing for Days

A man was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Kibera High Court for murdering his ex-wife after a quarrel over returning gifts. 

The crime, committed in 2018, shocked many and has reignited conversations around gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya.

The case, presided over by Judge Diana Mochache, concluded with a strong sentence following compelling evidence presented by the prosecution team, led by counsel Peris Maina. 

Prosecutors argued that the accused acted in jealousy and anger when he fatally attacked his 24-year-old ex-wife. 

Witnesses explained that the conflict arose after the accused learned that the victim was planning to marry another man. 

He then demanded the return of all gifts he had given her during their relationship, an argument that spiraled into tragedy.

Eyewitness testimony revealed that on the day of the murder, the man confronted his ex-wife at her home. 

When she hesitated to comply with his demands to return the gifts, the argument escalated. In a fit of rage, the accused grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her fatally. 

After committing the crime, he attempted to escape into nearby bushes but was quickly apprehended by bystanders who had responded to the victim’s screams for help.

Throughout the trial, the accused maintained his innocence, claiming that the deceased had inflicted the fatal wounds on herself. 

However, this defense was dismissed by Judge Mochache, who ruled it invalid in light of the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. 

The judge also noted the accused’s lack of remorse, which influenced the decision to impose the maximum penalty allowed by the circumstances.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim’s family expressed their grief and shared the devastating impact of her loss. 

They described the victim as a respectful, ambitious, and kind-hearted young woman whose bright future was cruelly cut short. 

The family welcomed the sentencing as a step toward justice but also called for more measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

This case comes against the backdrop of rising femicide cases in Kenya. 

According to statistics from the National Police Service, 97 women were killed in similar incidents between August and October 2024. 

Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have called on the government to declare femicide a national crisis. 

They have urged President William Ruto to take decisive action, including implementing stricter laws and launching public campaigns to combat gender-based violence.

While the sentencing marks a victory for justice, it also sheds light on the larger societal issue of violence against women. 

Human rights activists emphasize that harsher sentences alone are not enough. 

They advocate for education, public awareness, and the empowerment of women as essential steps toward addressing this persistent problem.