Naftali Kinuthia has received a 40-year prison sentence for the brutal murder of his estranged lover, Ivy Wangechi, outside Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in April of 2019. The Eldoret High Court issued the sentence, marking the end of a four-year murder trial.
Despite considering the suspect’s plea, Justice Stephen Githinji deemed the 40-year term fitting for the brutal crime Kinuthia committed.
“The sentence must reflect the seriousness of the offence and also work as a deterrent. In so considering, I sentence the accused herein (Naftali Kinuthia) to serve a custodial sentence of 40 years.”
Justice Stephen Githinji ruled.
The Murder
Ivy Wangechi tragically lost her life on April 9, 2019, when her childhood friend, the then 28-year-old Kinuthia, assaulted her with an axe. At the time of her untimely death, the 25 year old Ivy Wangechi, was a promising sixth-year student in Medicine and Surgery at Moi University.
According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, 76% of female murder victims are killed by assailants known to them. Unsurprisingly, Naftali Kinuthia and Ivy Wangechi share history. The two at some point schooled together at Primary School. Additionally, both hail from Chomo Village.
Earlier Found Guilty
The 40 year jail term follows a guilty verdict in October of 2023. When delivering the gulty verdict, the Court considered Naftali Kinuthia’s confession to killing Ivy Wangechi. The judge dismissed claims that the act was provoked by the end of their romantic relationship.
While Kinuthia expressed remorse for the brutal attack with an axe, the prosecution and the deceased’s family advocated for the maximum penalty during sentencing. Justice Reuben Githinji ruled that the murder was premeditated, emphasizing Kinuthia’s choice of a lethal weapon.
BY BNN.