A Kiambu man has been sentenced to death after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) successfully proved he was guilty of robbery with violence, rape, and murder in Gatundu North.
In a statement issued by the ODPP on Wednesday, the court found Joseph Ndichu Gitau guilty after compelling forensic and witness evidence linked him to the brutal attack and theft of a woman’s belongings at Gatei village, Kiambu County, in January 2025.
"The court ruled that Prosecutions Counsels Joy Kaaria and Wamuyu Ngugi had presented compelling evidence linking Joseph Ndichu Gitau to the brutal robbery, rape and murder of a woman at Gatei village in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, in January 2025," the statement read in part.
According to the prosecution, Gitau, together with another suspect still at large, attacked the victim on January 17, 2025, robbing her of various household items before fatally assaulting her.
"Forensic evidence later confirmed that the deceased had been raped either before or after the fatal attack, "the statement read.
Prosecution Counsels Joy Kaaria and Wamuyu Ngugi presented nine witnesses whose testimonies, combined with forensic analysis, placed the accused squarely at the scene of the crime. Investigators later recovered a kitchen knife identified as the murder weapon, as well as several stolen items from the suspect’s house.
In a bizarre twist, Gitau was arrested after he allegedly posted a photograph of himself on the victim’s Facebook profile using her stolen phone—a move that drew suspicion from neighbours who had just discovered the victim’s body.
Delivering the judgment, the court commended the prosecution for its meticulous presentation of evidence, noting that the case met the threshold required to sustain a conviction on all counts. The ruling found no doubt as to the accused’s guilt and described the crime as “brutal and senseless.”
The ODPP praised its legal team for their professionalism and reaffirmed its dedication to justice for victims of violent crimes.
“The ODPP reiterates its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes,” the statement read. “Such convictions reflect the institution’s continued dedication to upholding the rule of law and protecting vulnerable members of society.”
The case underscores the ODPP’s strengthened use of forensic science and digital evidence in securing convictions for serious crimes across the country.
