A man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal killing of his 8-year-old brother in Kilifi County, in a tragic case of sibling violence that has deeply scarred an entire family.
The murder, which occurred on September 19, 2016, in Chagoto Village, Adu Sub-location, involved a single fatal blow to the back of the young boy’s head with a panga. A post-mortem revealed the attack exposed brain matter, leading to the boy’s immediate collapse and death.
The accused, who was 22 at the time of the incident, had initially denied involvement, claiming he only learned of the child’s death upon returning home. However, a combination of forensic evidence, eyewitness testimony, and a powerful dying declaration from the victim pointed clearly to his guilt.
One of the most crucial pieces of evidence came from another sibling who arrived moments after the attack. The dying boy named his brother as the attacker before losing consciousness. Though the defense argued that the child was too young for his statement to be considered credible, the court disagreed, citing the child’s ability to recognize family members and make clear statements.
Further evidence included DNA analysis of a blood-stained panga and clothing recovered near the scene, both of which matched the victim’s blood. Additionally, the accused was found hiding at his grandfather’s home later that night and reportedly admitted to cutting the child.
Despite the family’s pleas for leniency, especially from the mother who had already lost one son and did not wish to lose another, the appellate court emphasized the seriousness of the crime. It ruled that the sentence must reflect the principles of justice, including deterrence and retribution.
The sentence was partially adjusted to account for time already spent in remand, reducing the term to approximately 26 years and 6 months.
This tragic case has left a family devastated one son dead, another imprisoned, and a mother burdened with loss and heartbreak. The judgment stands as a grim reminder of the irreversible damage caused by violence within families and the heavy burden borne by those left behind.
