In a courtroom moment reminiscent of the Biblical phrase, “the wages of sin is death,” Justice Diana Kavenza delivered a firm reminder to Erick Mutinda—the primary suspect in the murder of Sylvia Kemunto—that the wheels of justice do not turn faster simply because one is uncomfortable with the pace.
Addressing Mutinda’s visible distress in court, Justice Kavenza emphasized that emotional appeals, including tears, would not hasten the legal process. “Justice does not operate at supersonic speed just because your freedom is currently restricted,” she said.
Speaking directly to Mutinda’s lawyer, Mr. Johnson, the Judge advised:
“Mr. Johnson, please inform your client that even though he is just 19 years old, justice doesn’t fly—it moves like a 1945 train. There was no single accident. So do not make him feel anxious that he is coming to court and he is going to be released…“
Justice Kavenza further reminded the accused that the court must consider the seriousness of the charges.
“Someone has lost her life,” she said. “The prosecution claims that you caused it, so the court will move very very slowly notwithstanding your age, because justice has to balance. So, you must stop crying and just be strong, that is how the court operates.“
She also likened the courtroom to a hospital, where some people leave while others are dying.
“That is how the court works, not because the court does not like you, not because you are young, it’s very unfortunate that at your age you have come into conduct with the justice system…” she concluded.
Erick Mutinda faces a charge of murder under Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap 63 of the Laws of Kenya.
He is accused of killing Sylvia Kemunto Ayaye on March 30, 2025, at Multimedia University.
Mutinda has denied the charges and will remain in custody at Nairobi Remand Prison until May 29, 2025.
