By Were Kelly
The High Court in Murang’a has sentenced a man to 30 years in imprisonment after he admitted to killing his father in a violent attack that occurred in 2020.
Michael Muchiri Mwangi was convicted of manslaughter following a plea bargain agreement, a deal that led the prosecution to reduce the original charge of murder.
The court, presided over by Lady Justice Githua, heard that the incident which led to the death of James Mwangi Mburu took place on the evening of September 10, 2020, at the family’s home in Muchungucha village, Kiharu Constituency.
The case was presented by Principal Prosecution Counsel Caroline Muriu, representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
According to the facts presented before the judge, the tragedy unfolded when the accused’s mother was inside the house preparing supper at approximately 7:30 p.m. She was alerted by a loud noise from outside.
Upon rushing to investigate, she discovered a fire burning in the family’s banana plantation. As she approached, she saw her son, Michael Muchiri Mwangi, standing near the flames. When she questioned him, he did not respond. It was then that she made the horrific discovery that the fire was consuming her husband, who was lying on the ground.
Police investigations later established a clear sequence of events. The evidence showed that Muchiri had first struck his father on the head, rendering him helpless. After assaulting the victim, the accused poured petrol over his father’s body and intentionally set him on fire. The attack resulted in catastrophic injuries, with the victim suffering burns covering more than 60 percent of his body.
The legal resolution of the case came through a plea bargain. This is a process where an accused person agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a concession from the prosecution.
In this instance, the DPP’s office agreed to reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter.
While agreeing to this arrangement, the prosecution, led by Counsel Muriu, strongly emphasised the extreme brutality of the crime. She urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve as a strong deterrent, sending a clear message against such violent offences.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Githua agreed with the prosecution’s submissions. She noted the particularly heinous nature of the act committed by the son against his own father.
A sentence of 30 years in prison was therefore imposed to reflect the severity of the crime. Justice Githua underscored the court’s duty to ensure justice was served, while also acknowledging the role of the DPP’s plea bargain in securing a conviction and achieving accountability for the crime.
