A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over the killing of 17-year-old Farida Kadzo Changawa.

In a statement on Thursday, May 14, the International Justice Mission (IJM) welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step toward justice for victims of violence against women and children.

Farida, who was a teenage mother and survivor of sexual violence, was killed on June 6, 2025, in Kijipwa, Kilifi County.

IJM, which had been supporting her during the pursuit of justice in a separate defilement case, noted that the matter was initially prosecuted as a murder case before later being reduced to manslaughter following plea bargain negotiations initiated by the defence. 

Subsequently, the accused admitted to the lesser charge on March 3, 2026.

According to IJM, the case took nearly 11 months in court and involved several adjournments and appearances before reaching its conclusion.

The organization said the outcome reflects both progress in accountability and the persistent concerns surrounding justice for survivors of violence.

“While this sentence is a step toward justice, it cannot restore the life lost. IJM stood with Farida in her pursuit of protection and justice, and her case underscores the urgent need to strengthen survivor protection at every stage,” IJM Manager, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), Aggrey Juma, said.