Three men who brutally robbed, gang-raped, and beat a woman to death in Laikipia County have been sentenced to death by a principal magistrate’s court in Rumuruti. The accused John Ekwuam, Wilfred Njoroge, and Zachariah Lomunyien Kibet, also known as Mrefu were found guilty of multiple serious crimes, including robbery with violence and gang rape.
According to the court’s findings, the trio, armed with dangerous weapons such as Maasai swords, knives, and metal rods, targeted Tabitha Wanjiku Njogu. They forcibly robbed her of a mobile phone and an undisclosed sum of money. During the attack, they subjected Tabitha to horrific violence, resulting in her death.
The court also heard that another victim, Jeremiah Maina, lost his life in the same incident. Both victims were cousins who had left Tabitha’s home to attend an overnight church vigil but never returned. The violent attack was not only confined to robbery but also involved a heinous sexual assault; the accused were charged with the gang rape of Tabitha, committed intentionally and without her consent, in direct violation of the Sexual Offences Act.
The magistrate delivering the judgment highlighted several aggravating factors that influenced the severity of the sentence. These included the use of weapons during the commission of the crimes, the involvement of multiple assailants working together, and the extreme brutality displayed throughout the offenses. The court emphasized that such elements demonstrated a high degree of malice and a blatant disregard for human life and dignity.
During the trial, the prosecution presented strong evidence proving the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The facts and testimonies revealed the calculated and cruel nature of the crimes, leaving little room for any alternative conclusion.
In its ruling, the court imposed the death sentence on each of the three men for the robbery with violence charge, reflecting the gravity of their actions. Additionally, the accused were sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment each for the charge of sexual assault.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on violent crimes, particularly those involving sexual violence and loss of life. It sends a clear message about the consequences of such egregious offenses, reinforcing the commitment to uphold justice and protect vulnerable members of society.
This case has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by communities regarding violent crimes and the need for effective measures to deter such acts. It also highlights the importance of the legal framework, such as the Sexual Offences Act, in safeguarding victims’ rights and ensuring perpetrators face appropriate penalties.
The brutal nature of the incident shocked many in Laikipia County and beyond, raising concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of individuals, especially women, in some areas. The tragic deaths of Tabitha Wanjiku Njogu and Jeremiah Maina have left their families and communities grieving, with calls for strengthened security and support systems for victims of violence.
This judgment serves not only as a form of justice for the victims and their families but also as a cautionary tale aimed at deterring similar criminal acts in the future. It reflects the justice system’s resolve to deal firmly with those who commit violent offenses, ensuring they face the full extent of the law.
The court’s decision is a reminder of the critical need for continued efforts in crime prevention, community awareness, and support for survivors of violence to build safer societies where such tragedies are less likely to occur.
