By Andrew Kariuki
The High Court in Mombasa has suspended the ongoing murder trial of Lewis Kazungu Charo after the 22-year-old informed the court that he intends to pursue a plea bargain.
Charo is accused of killing 17 year old Farida Changawa Julius on June 6, 2025, at Mferejini Village in Kijipwa, Kilifi South.
He had been working at the teenager’s family homestead as a palm-wine tapper for about six months before the incident.
Three prosecution witnesses have so far testified, including evidence that a knife believed to be linked to the killing resembled one Charo commonly used in his daily work. The court also heard that the accused and the deceased were acquainted.
The third witness, the victim’s grandfather, Tinga Mwachiro Kiti, testified on Tuesday and confirmed identifying Farida’s body during a post-mortem conducted at Kilifi Sub-County Hospital on June 12, 2025.
Before prosecutors could continue with their next witnesses, State Counsel Ngiri Wangui and Frank Sirima informed Lady Justice Wendy Micheni that the Defence had formally written to the court expressing interest in a plea agreement. In his letter, Charo stated that he wished to conclude the matter “in the interests of justice” and avoid a lengthy trial.
The family’s lawyer, Duncan Osoro, told the court that the victim’s relatives must be consulted before any deal is considered.
Justice Micheni adjourned the proceedings to allow both the Prosecution and the family to review the request and its implications.
She directed that consultations be completed within 14 days.
The case will be mentioned on December 18, 2025, for further directions.
