Judge rules out devil involvement in killing and raping of 7-year-old girl in Nyeri
A Nyeri High Court has handed a death sentence to Nicholas Julius Macharia for the offence of defiling and killing seven-year-old TBK (minor).
Macharia was charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
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He pleaded guilty to the offence of murder after earlier pleading not guilty to killing the deceased on May 24, 2025, while at Witemere area within Nyeri Township in Nyeri County.
While sentencing the man to death on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Judge Kizito Magare noted that the court cannot ignore the need to assess both culpability and the need to deter and protect the public.
According to Macharia’s confession, he sought to attribute his actions of raping and killing the little girl to the devil.
However, Judge Kizito stated that the court is unable to discern any role played by the devil in the commission of the offence, noting that criminal responsibility rests with the offender.
“In the circumstances of this case, the responsibility lies squarely and entirely with the convict. The devil is innocent in that respect, as he was not involved,” Judge Kizito ruled.
Further, the learned judge states that after the convict killed and buried the minor in his house, he continued residing in the same house, fully cognisant that he had transformed it into a place of death and a cemetery.
He avers that such conduct underscores a disturbing level of moral depravity and aggravates the gravity of the offence.
Judge Kizito added that the convict does not deserve mercy; though he pleaded guilty, he was ruthless, and calling him a beast is an understatement.
“The convict’s demeanour and conduct showed a deeply disturbing account, revealing a profound disregard for human life and dignity,” Judge Kizito stated.
“The recorded confession and conduct displayed reflect a disturbing disposition and suggest a troubling readiness to repeat similar actions if afforded the opportunity,” the judge added.
Judge Kizito sentenced Macharia to death for the murder of the young girl but stated that the convict has 14 days right to appeal.
“Nicholas Julius Macharia is hereby sentenced to death in accordance with the law. A death warrant is being transmitted to the competent authority for execution,” Judge Kizito ruled.
