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Ex-KDF soldier sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife and 2 children
14th July, 2026 12:36 PM
A Milimani High Court has sentenced a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, Peter Mugure, to serve life imprisonment over the death of his family.
Justice Martin Muya on July 10, 2026, found Mugure guilty of killing his wife Joyce Syombua Maua, 31, his 10-year-old daughter Shanice Mugure Mwaura, and his five-year-old son Peter Mwaura Junior, alias Prince Michael.
In sentencing Mugure on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Judge stated that the offence of murder carries a punishment of death.
Further, Justice Muya noted that the convict (Mugure) has not shown any iota of remorse for the offence of murdering his young family.
In addition, the court noted that femicide offences have become rampant in the country and calls for severe punishment.
“I have gone through the impact assessment report, and the court has gone through the same, but the murders of the three deceased persons I find were barbaric, and the prosecution has called for the death penalty,” Judge Muya stated.
“I am of the Supreme Court decision on Muruatetu, but the circumstances of this case and bearing in mind the accused has been in custody l sentence him to life imprisonment,” Justice Muya ruled.
In his mitigation before he was sentenced to death, Major Mugure told court that he respects the authority of the court despite disagreeing with its conviction verdict.
Further, he told the court that he will not be challenging the legality or severity of the sentence that was to be imposed against, but he will appeal against his conviction.
“My lordship, I have walked through this highly charged and emotive criminal trial where 26 witnesses have testified. It is the wearer of the shoe who knows where it pinches the most. It is always darkest before the dawn. I respect the decision of this court, for it presently binds me in ways that no one can possibly imagine,” Mugure told the court.
“My lordship, nonetheless, and with tremendous respect to the court, I am unable to agree with the verdict. It is for that reason that I have instructed my advocates not to challenge the legality or severity of the sentence to imposed by your lordship, but to challenge only the conviction,” Mugure added.
