By GPC Correspondent
A 31-year-old Kisumu man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of his aunt following a domestic disagreement in 2023.
Kisumu High Court Judge Joe M. Omido found Kevin Omondi Nyapietho guilty of murdering Gaudencia Otieno Aoko on February 21, 2023, at Kapuonja Sub-location in Kisumu West Sub-County.
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Nyapietho was charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution, led by counsel Mercy Mutheu Muema, called six witnesses during the trial, including a pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination.
The court heard that the deceased died from severe head injuries caused by multiple lacerative wounds.
According to evidence presented in court, Nyapietho had been having supper with his aunt and two cousins on the night of the incident when he allegedly accused them of planning to poison him.
He reportedly scolded the three before leaving the house and locking them inside.
The court heard that Nyapietho later returned and broke open the door after one of his cousins, a secondary school student, had locked it from inside.
He then attacked Aoko with a jembe, striking her on the shoulder and head with the sharp edge.
The injuries proved fatal.
Evidence before the court also showed that Aoko had taken Nyapietho into her care following the death of his parents and had assumed a parental role in his life.
After considering the evidence, Justice Omido found that Nyapietho was responsible for the assault that caused Aoko’s death.
The judge held that the prosecution had proved all the essential elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Nyapietho.
He was subsequently sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Nyapietho was informed of his right to appeal against both the conviction and sentence within 14 days.
