By Grace Gilo
The High Court in Murang’a has sentenced a man to 30 years in prison after he was convicted of killing his father in a brutal attack that shocked Muchungucha village in Kiharu Constituency.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Lady Justice Githua delivered the sentence against Michael Muchiri Mwangi, who admitted to killing his father, James Mwangi Mburu, on September 10, 2020.
The conviction followed a plea bargain agreement brokered between the accused and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“The court heard that the incident began when the accused’s mother, who was preparing supper at around 7:30 p.m., heard a loud bang outside their home. On rushing out, she found a fire blazing in their banana plantation,” stated the ODPP.
“As she approached, she saw her son standing near the flames but received no response when she questioned him. To her horror, she discovered that the fire was consuming her husband, who lay on the ground,” ODPP added.
Investigations by police later revealed that Muchiri had attacked his father, striking him on the head before pouring petrol on him and igniting the fire. The elder Mwangi sustained severe burns, covering over 60 percent of his body.
The DPP, represented in court by Principal Prosecution Counsel Caroline Muriu, guided the case through a plea bargain arrangement in which the initial murder charge was reduced to manslaughter.
Prosecution emphasized the brutal nature of the crime, advocating for a strong sentence to deter similar offenses.
Justice Githua echoed these sentiments, highlighting the heinousness of the actions, before imposing the 30-year prison term.
“She sentenced Muchiri to 30 years in prison, underscoring the court’s commitment to ensuring justice while acknowledging the DPP’s role in securing accountability through the plea bargain process,” ODPP reiterated.