Four Jailed for 25 Years for Killing Student Accused of Stealing Phone
Four individuals, including a mother of three, a matatu driver, and a boda boda rider, have been sentenced to 25 years in prison each for the brutal murder of a Form Four student in Uasin Gishu County. The verdict was delivered by Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi, who ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the four were responsible for the killing of 19-year-old Ahmad Mohammed Ismael.
The tragic incident occurred three years ago following a mob attack on the student, who had been accused of stealing a mobile phone belonging to a college student in Eldoret town. According to the prosecution, the convicted individuals—Julieta Ayieta, Benjamin Njenga, Paul Osinde, and Gregory Mukhori—led a violent assault on the teenager using crude weapons and stones. The attack resulted in severe head injuries that ultimately caused Ismael’s death.
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including CCTV footage, forensic analysis, and witness testimonies, which directly linked the four convicts to the heinous crime. The judge emphasized that mob justice is an unlawful and dangerous practice that cannot be condoned in a civilized society.
“Justice must prevail for all, and no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. The court has a duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure that such incidents do not go unpunished,” Judge Nyakundi stated while delivering the ruling.
The sentencing serves as a stern warning against mob justice, which has been a persistent issue in various parts of the country. The ruling also reinforces the importance of proper legal channels in addressing criminal allegations, rather than resorting to violent and unlawful acts.
The families of both the victim and the accused were present in court during the ruling, with mixed reactions following the judgment. While Ismael’s family expressed relief at the justice served, the convicts’ families lamented the harshness of the sentence.
This case highlights the dangers of vigilantism and the need for continuous public awareness on the importance of due process in the justice system. Authorities have urged the public to report suspected crimes to law enforcement officers rather than taking matters into their own hands.
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Four Jailed for 25 Years for Killing Student Accused of Stealing Phone