The wheels of justice have turned as Ivy Wangechi’s killer is finally convicted, bringing closure to a highly publicized and tragic case. Justice Reuben Githinji ruled that the prosecution had effectively proven the murder charge, resulting in the conviction of Naftali Kinuthia, 33.
The murder
Ivy Wangechi met her untimely demise on April 9, 2019, after Kinuthia, her then 28-year-old childhood friend, attacked her with an axe. The then 25-year-old lady was a promising young sixth-year Medicine and Surgery student at Moi University.
The confession
On March 3, 2023, perhaps to seek the court’s leniency, the then suspected Kinuthia confessed to the murder. He also expressed remorse, saying he regretted his actions.
“This is an incident that I have regretted forever. After thinking about it and reflecting, I knew it would not have happened since there were many ways to get around the situation without causing the death of an innocent person,”
Kinuthia stated.
The ruling
In his 45-minute ruling, Justice Githinji pointed out that the defendant’s actions were premeditated. And with all intent to kill due to his choice of weapon- an axe, which inflicted fatal injuries on the victim.
“Resulting to using a lethal weapon like the axe that was presented before this court can only mean one thing- his intention was to kill her.”
He said.
The judge contended that if Kinuthia had not intended to kill Ivy, he would have used his fists instead.
“If the accused had no intention to kill the late as he claims, he would have chosen to attack his victim with fists, which would have given her the chance to survive the attack.”
Stated Justice Githinji.
The judge also rejected the claim that Kinuthia’s heinous act was provoked by Ivy’s decision to end their romantic relationship and pursue another man. The judge emphasized that there was no substantial evidence to support Kinuthia’s claim of an intimate relationship, even after reviewing text messages.
The proceedings took place virtually, with Kinuthia participating from Eldoret GK prison, while the judge presided over the case from Malindi, where he is currently stationed.
The Sentencing
The judge scheduled November 22 for the mitigating and sentencing phase of the trial. The family of the deceased and the prosecution have urged the court to impose the maximum penalty for murder.
On the other hand, the defense team, led by Wokabi Mathenge, requested a typed judgment to facilitate the process of appealing Justice Githinji’s ruling.
By BNN