Crime & Scandal

2 sentenced to prison over gruesome murder of former Kilifi deputy governor

Arnold Ngure 08th March, 2025 07:19 AM

Two people have been sentenced to prison in connection with the gruesome murder of former Kilifi County Deputy Governor Kenneth Kamto.

Kamto was killed by a gunshot during a home invasion at his Nyali residence on the eve of Jamhuri Day of December 12, 2018, when the assailants assaulted his wife and made away with several phones and valuables.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the two men scaled the perimeter wall of the former County Deputy boss before gaining entry into the house and killing him in the violence that ensued thereafter.

“Two individuals involved in the murder of Kenneth Mwakombo Kamto, the first Deputy Governor of Kilifi County, have been sentenced. The incident occurred on December 12, 2018, in Nyali, Mombasa,” DCI revealed.

“Julius Gitonga received a sentence of 40 years, while Joseph Mukabana was sentenced to 30 years after they were both found guilty of robbery with violence and murder.”

Harsher sentence

According to authorities, Gitonga was given a harsher sentence of 40 years after he was found to have fired the fatal shot which took the life of the former County deputy governor on the fateful night while his accomplice participated in the robbery.

“In a sentencing delivered today, Julius Gitonga M’muguu received a harsher sentence for the robbery charge since he was the one who shot and killed Kamto. His sentence will run from January 30, 2019, when he was placed in remand custody. Joseph Amwayi Mukabana’s sentence will take effect from January 14, 2025,” DCI said on March 7, 2025.

The case which involved 24 witnesses including a co-accused person who entered a plea bargain with the state examined CCTV footage, DNA analysis and ballistic reports which were found to link the accused persons to the crime scene.