Makadara court sentences two men to death over fatal robbery of university student

The Makadara court on Wednesday sentenced two men to death after finding them guilty of robbing and fatally stabbing a university student in Kiambu County, in a case that relied on detailed witness testimony and evidence presented during the trial.

The court found Devon Mboya and Dennis Mburu Kimani guilty of robbery with violence after a full hearing at the Makadara Law Court, where prosecutors demonstrated that the offence met the legal threshold required for conviction. The decision followed the testimony of 16 witnesses called by the prosecution.

According to the prosecution, led by Maureen Mwenesa, the incident took place on October 30, 2022 at around 10:30am along Ridgeways Road in Kiambu County, where the two accused were armed with a knife when they confronted the victim.

“The prosecution led by Maureen Mwenesa called a total of 16 witnesses in court to prove charges against the accused persons,” the ODPP said.

The court heard that the victim, Keagan Benson Githua, a 24-year-old student at Strathmore University, was robbed of his laptop and mobile phone before being stabbed on the left side of his chest, an attack that resulted in his death.

Prosecutors explained that the robbery quickly escalated into violence, leading to the fatal stabbing at the scene. The presence and use of a knife were key elements in establishing the violent nature of the offence.

During the trial, the prosecution relied on a sequence of events supported by witness accounts to link the accused to both the robbery and the killing. The testimony presented in court played a central role in meeting the standard of proof required for conviction.

Robbery with violence is among the most serious offences under Kenyan law and carries the death penalty upon conviction. In this case, the court determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to support the charge, leading to the sentencing of both accused persons to death.

The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has raised concerns about safety in areas surrounding the capital, where cases of violent robbery continue to be reported. The circumstances outlined in court highlighted how quickly such crimes can turn deadly when weapons are involved.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of the trial, although the convicted individuals still have the option to appeal the decision as provided for under Kenyan law.

The case also highlights the importance of coordinated investigations and prosecution in securing convictions in serious criminal matters, especially those involving loss of life and violent conduct.