By Andrew Kariuki
The High Court in Kisumu has sentenced Dennis Omondi Onyango, popularly known as Denno wa Njugu, to 15 years in prison for the unlawful killing of Joseph Otieno Murende, alias Otongolo, following a violent confrontation in Chemelil, Muhoroni Sub-County.
Justice Omido Joe convicted Omondi of manslaughter after he entered into a plea bargain agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Omondi was initially charged with murder but later pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter.
Prosecution Counsel Mercy Mutheu Muema told the court that the fatal incident occurred on the morning of May 22, 2023, when the deceased confronted Omondi after finding him in the company of his wife. A heated exchange ensued, escalating into a violent struggle during which Omondi disarmed the deceased and struck him with a panga, inflicting fatal head injuries.
A post-mortem report revealed that the deceased died from severe head trauma, including a massive subdural hematoma and penetrating wounds caused by a sharp object. The court heard that Omondi fled the scene after the attack and the weapon used was never recovered.
In her submissions, the prosecution stressed the seriousness of the offence, noting that Omondi’s actions led to an irreversible loss of life. The DPP urged the court to impose a deterrent custodial sentence that would reinforce the sanctity of life and discourage similar acts of violence.
In his judgment, Justice Omido acknowledged that the offence was committed in the heat of passion but emphasized that taking another person’s life cannot be excused under any circumstance.
“Every life is sacred and justice must serve not only the offender but also the victim and the community,” the judge stated.
After considering both mitigating and aggravating circumstances, the court sentenced Omondi to 15 years imprisonment, effective from June 14, 2024 the date he was first remanded.
