The main suspect in the horrific killings of four women in Mawanga, Nakuru County two years ago has begged for mercy.
The 27-year-old defendant on Friday stood before Justice Patricia Gichohi to acknowledge his role in four murders that occurred between late 2021 and mid-2022. Kebwaro’s confession included the murders of Diana Opicho, Grace Wanjiku, Susan Wambui, and Beatrice Akinyi. In a strategic move, he has agreed to serve as a state witness through a plea bargain arrangement, testifying against five co-defendants: Kevin Omondi, Josphat Simiyu, Julius Omondi, Isaac Kinyanjui, and Dennis Mmbolo.
The defence team highlighted Kebwaro’s unprecedented cooperation with investigators, arguing that his assistance proved helpful in apprehending the other suspects and expediting the judicial process. His legal team characterizes him as a first-time offender demonstrating genuine remorse, suggesting that these factors should influence the court’s sentencing considerations. However, prosecutor James Kihara maintains a firm stance on the gravity of the offences.
“He has accepted responsibility for all the murders and has the potential to rehabilitate, the court should focus on the accused’s cooperation,” Kebwaro said through his lawyer.
He emphasizes that the brutal nature of the crimes demands serious consequences, arguing that the court’s ruling would set a precedent for similar cases throughout the region. The prosecution stresses that while cooperation merits consideration, it should not overshadow the severity of taking four lives. The case has profoundly affected the Mawanga community, where residents continue to grapple with security concerns and the psychological impact of the murders. The impending sentence is scheduled for November 12.
In other news today, the body of slain Wells Fargo Human Resource Manager Willis Onyango Ayieko was moved to Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home for autopsy. A homicide unit has joined investigations into his murder after his decomposed body was discovered in Mungowere stream, Siaya County, on October 23. Ayieko went missing on October 18 after attending a funeral vigil in Gem. Investigation reveals he was likely hijacked while driving from Nyamninia to Nyabeda centre. His car, which had a disabled dash camera, was later abandoned at Sabatia centre by two unidentified men.
The victim’s body showed signs of torture and was found handcuffed. His personal belongings, including a licensed pistol with 14 bullets, were stolen. Police suspect the murder was an act of vengeance and are investigating possible connections to his workplace. While the motive remains unclear, investigators report having promising leads in the case. The victim had been trailed from Nairobi to Siaya where he was abducted and murdered.
