A former United Nations employee has been found guilty of the murder of his wife at Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The Naivasha High Court convicted Nicholas Koskei after a detailed trial that established his culpability in the premeditated killing of Rhoda Mumbi Mutua.
The evidence presented before the court detailed how the accused lured the deceased to the lodge on 8th July 2017 under the guise of a romantic getaway, ostensibly to celebrate his 36th birthday and resolve their marital differences.
However, the trip culminated in tragedy when Mumbi was discovered dead in the bathtub of their hotel room later that night.
Prosecution, led by Counsel Nelly Maingi, paraded 17 witnesses, who pieced together events leading to Mumbi’s death as forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence collectively established Koskei’s role in the crime.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Richard Mwongo ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found that the murder was premeditated and that the accused had meticulously planned and executed the crime.
Following the conviction, the court directed that a pre-sentencing probation report be compiled and submitted within 21 days.
The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 27th March 2025, where the court will consider the report and any mitigating or aggravating factors before issuing the final sentence.
