The High Court in Bomet has sentenced Robert Kipkorir Tonui to 40 years’ imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Emmy Chepkoech Mitei, in a case that shocked the community for its brutality.
The prosecution was handled by Solomon Njeru (Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions), Augustine Ayekha (Principal Prosecutor), and Judith Chepchirchir (Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions).
According to court records, on 3 October 2020, at Seanin Village in Bomet County, Tonui poured petrol on the house of his wife, locked her inside, and set the structure ablaze. Mitei was rescued with severe burns covering 90% of her body and was rushed for medical treatment but succumbed to her injuries on 7 October 2020.
After reviewing the evidence presented, the High Court concluded that the prosecution had conclusively proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
The court convicted Tonui and handed down a 40-year prison sentence, noting that the severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of gender-based violence and aims to serve as a deterrent to similar offences.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing gender-based violence in Kenya and highlights the judiciary’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. Authorities and civil society groups have continued to urge communities to report incidents of domestic abuse to prevent such tragic outcomes.
By Michelle Ndaga
