Mawanga serial killer pleads guilty and becomes state witness

The main suspect in the horrific murder of four women in Mawanga, Nakuru County two years ago has pleaded for mercy.

The 27-year-old defendant appeared before Judge Patricia Gichohi on Friday to acknowledge his role in four murders committed between late 2021 and mid-2022. Kebwaro’s confession included the murders of Diana Opicho, Grace Wanjiku, Susan Wambui and Beatrice Akinyi. In a strategic move, he has agreed to serve as a state witness under a plea agreement and testify against five co-defendants: Kevin Omondi, Josphat Simiyu, Julius Omondi, Isaac Kinyanjui and Dennis Mmbolo.

The defense team highlighted Kebwaro’s unprecedented cooperation with investigators, arguing that his assistance was helpful in arresting the other suspects and expediting the legal process. His legal team characterizes him as a first-time offender who shows genuine remorse and suggests those factors should influence the court’s sentencing considerations. However, prosecutor James Kihara remains firm in his opinion on the seriousness of the crimes.

“He has accepted responsibility for all the murders and has the potential for rehabilitation. The court should focus on the cooperation of the accused,” Kebwaro said through his lawyer.

He emphasizes that the brutality of the crimes carries serious consequences and argues that the court’s ruling would set a precedent for similar cases across the region. The public prosecutor emphasizes that cooperation is worth considering, but that the seriousness of the killing of four people should not be taken into the background. The case has a profound impact on the Mawanga community, whose residents continue to struggle with security concerns and the psychological impact of the killings. The upcoming verdict is scheduled for November 12th.

In other news today, the body of murdered Wells Fargo human resources manager Willis Onyango Ayieko has been taken to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi for an autopsy. A homicide squad began investigating his murder after his decomposed body was discovered in the Mungowere River in Siaya County on October 23. Ayieko went missing on October 18 after attending a wake in Gem. Investigations reveal that he was probably kidnapped while traveling from Nyamninia to Nyabeda center. His car, which had a disabled dashboard camera, was later abandoned in downtown Sabatia by two unknown men.

The victim’s body bore signs of torture and was found handcuffed. His personal items, including a licensed 14-round pistol, were stolen. Police believe the murder was an act of revenge and are investigating possible connections to his workplace. While the motive remains unclear, investigators report that there are promising leads in the case. The victim was trafficked from Nairobi to Siaya where he was kidnapped and murdered.