By Andrew Kariuki
The High Court in Mombasa has opened the trial of Lewis Kazungu Charo, a mnazi tapper from Kilifi accused of murdering 17 year old Farida Changawa Julius.
He faces a charge of murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on June 6, 2025, at Mferejini Village in Kijipwa, Kilifi South.
The case has been prioritised for hearing before Lady Justice Wendi Kagendo Micheni as part of ongoing sessions focused on gender-based violence.
The first witness, Umazi Wambua Kitheka; an aunt to the deceased, told the court that Farida had been at home with her nine month old child when the accused arrived.
She said the two spoke privately within the compound before later rejoining the family for their evening meal.
Umazi testified that Farida later stepped out, saying she was going to pick up her phone from a nearby shop.
Although she and the accused left in different directions, they were seen meeting again near the exit of the homestead.
A short while later, a scream was heard from outside the main house.
Farida’s cousin, Lamick Baraka, responded immediately, with Umazi following.
They found the teenager on the ground near the kitchen area with serious injuries.
In court, Umazi confirmed identifying the photographs taken by investigators and described the injuries she observed on Farida’s neck, shoulder and fingers.
Assistant Chief Henry Kilumo Randu of Makomboani Sub-Location testified that he received a report at around 3 a.m. alleging that the accused had fatally assaulted his partner after a disagreement.
He told the court that he later learned the accused had been located in the family shamba in a distressed condition and that relatives persuaded him to leave the area.
The chief accompanied the accused’s brother in presenting him to Kaloleni Police Station before he was later taken to Kijipwa Police Station.
Prosecution counsels Ngiri Wangui and Frank Sirima, supported by family advocates Duncan Onsoro and Vera Adasa, are appearing in the matter on behalf of the State.
