Man Gets 40 Years for Brutal Murder of Medical Student

Naftali Kinuthia, the man who hacked to death Moi University medical student Ivy Wangechi in 2019, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison by the High Court in Eldoret. Justice Stephen Githinji delivered the verdict on Thursday, December 14, 2023, after finding Kinuthia guilty of murder.

A Crime of Passion

Kinuthia, who claimed to be Wangechi's lover, attacked her with an axe and a knife outside the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret on April 9, 2019. He said he was provoked by Wangechi's rejection and infidelity, and that he had spent a lot of money on her. He also said he had bought the weapons for self-defence and that he regretted his actions.

A Flawed Defence

However, the judge dismissed Kinuthia's defence as baseless and unconvincing. He said there was no evidence of an intimate or sexual relationship between Kinuthia and Wangechi, and that the text messages they exchanged did not prove any provocation. He also said that the weapons Kinuthia used were lethal and new, and that they showed he had planned to kill Wangechi.

A Painful Death

The judge also noted that Kinuthia inflicted multiple and severe injuries on Wangechi, leaving her with no chance of survival. He said Kinuthia subjected Wangechi to a painful and cruel death, and that he showed no remorse or apology. He said Kinuthia deserved the maximum penalty for murder, which is death by hanging, but he considered the mitigating factors such as his age, family background, and lack of criminal record.

A Just Sentence

The judge, therefore, sentenced Kinuthia to 40 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 20 years. He said the sentence was meant to deter others from committing similar crimes, and to serve justice to Wangechi's family and the society. He also said the sentence was in line with the Constitution, which protects the right to life and dignity.

A Mixed Reaction

The sentence elicited mixed reactions from the parties involved. Wangechi's family and friends, who were present in court, expressed satisfaction and relief, saying that justice had been served. They said they hoped Kinuthia would reform and repent in prison, and that they had forgiven him. They also said they missed Wangechi, who was a bright and promising student.

Kinuthia's family and lawyers, who followed the proceedings virtually from the Eldoret GK prison, expressed disappointment and shock, saying that the sentence was harsh and unfair. They said they would appeal the verdict, and that they hoped for a fair trial. They also said they sympathized with Wangechi's family, and that they prayed for peace and healing.

A Tragic Case

The case of Kinuthia and Wangechi has been one of the most sensational and tragic cases in the country, attracting public attention and outrage. It has also raised issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, and social media. The case has also highlighted the need for more awareness and support for victims and perpetrators of such crimes, and for more respect and protection for human life.