A High Court judge has handed a 30-year sentence to a man who was proven to have killed his ex-lover after she hinted that she would get married to another man.
In a decisive ruling, Kibera High Court judge Diana Mochache observed that the convict identified as Amos Wanjala Mutelwa was not remorseful and had repeatedly denied committing the act, instead alleging that the deceased stabbed herself.
“Amos Wanjala Mutelwa was handed the sentence after Prosecuting Counsel Peris Maina proved to the court beyond reasonable doubt that he murdered his 24-year-old ex-lover in 2018,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution noted.
Marrying new lover
During the sentencing, it was established that Mutelwa had learned his ex-lover was on the verge of marrying her new lover when he approached her and demanded that she return all the gifts she had given her.
“Five witnesses, including an eye witness, narrated to court the events leading to the crime. In her testimony, the eye witness told the court that after the accused learned that his ex-lover (deceased) was planning to wed her new boyfriend, he reached out to her and demanded the gifts he had bought her be returned,” ODPP stated.
The deceased was found to have declined the demands when an argument ensued leading to Mutelwa stabbing her with a kitchen knife.
Detained
The court also heard that Mutelwa attempted to flee from the crime scene but members of the public who had heard the screams managed to detain him.
“Prosecution convinced the court the deceased and his ex-lover had well-documented differences leading to her death,” ODPP noted.
“The deceased family narrated to the court how her loss was a big blow, as she was not only an integral part of them but also charming, respectful and someone with a great future,” ODPP indicated.
The sentencing comes hot on the heels of a national campaign against cases of femicide which have been on the rise.
On November 25, 2024, President William Ruto committed Ksh100 million to go towards sensitization in a programme dubbed 16 Days of Activism against femicide.
During the meeting, Ruto ordered that the gender desks in police stations be replicated in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.
He urged Kenyans to join the campaign against gender-based violence set to commence on Monday, November 25, 2024, and run for 16 days.
“I urge every Kenyan to join in this movement to speak out, educate, and stand united against cases of femicide,” Ruto said.
