The High Court in Naivasha has sentenced Fredrick Mwonjoria, a 22-year-old Machakos University student, to 25 years in prison for the murder of a 15-year-old girl five years ago.
High Court Judge Grace Nzioka found Mwonjoria guilty of killing Valerian Njeri on November 28, 2019, in Mirera estate, Naivasha, after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances. At the time of the crime, Mwonjoria was a 17-year-old student at Nanyuki High School.
According to court findings, he lured the girl to his home, attacked her with a knife, and later dumped her body outside his gate.
Investigators followed blood traces to his room, where they found the murder weapon and bloodied clothes.
Judge Nzioka emphasized that despite Mwonjoria being a minor at the time, his crime was severe and warranted a custodial sentence.
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“Based on previous cases, the options of a death sentence or life imprisonment are not applicable since the accused was a minor during the incident. However, a custodial sentence is necessary,” she said.
The court also considered mitigation from the defence, which pleaded for leniency due to Mwonjoria’s age at the time of the crime. However, the judge said the nature of his actions was disturbing.
“After murdering the girl, the accused hid her body under his bed and shared dinner with his family as if nothing had happened. These actions portray a disturbing character,” she said.
Judge Nzioka further noted that the accused had shown clear intent to kill, as evidenced by the twelve stab wounds found on the victim’s neck and forehead.
She concluded that Mwonjoria would still have opportunities to continue his education while serving his sentence, as many other inmates have successfully pursued studies in prison.
By Joseph Mambili
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