A former United Nations (UN) employee has been convicted by the High Court in Naivasha for the 2017 murder of his wife during a birthday trip.
Nicholas Koskei had been charged with murder after his wife was found dead in the bathtub of a lodge they were staying at in Gilgil Nakuru County.
He was being prosecuted under Section 203 as read together with Section 204 of the Penal Code, which criminalises the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought.
According to a report by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the murder was premeditated as Koskei had lured his wife to the lodge under the guise of a vacation.
Reportedly, he had told his wife, and eventual victim, Rhoda Mumbi Mutua, that the romantic getaway was to celebrate his 36th birthday and resolve their marital issues.
However, the prosecution was able to ascertain that all this was a scheme to lure Mumbi to her death.
Led by Nelly Maingi, the prosecution laid out forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence to prove their case.
At the end of the trial, they brought out 17 witnesses who helped piece together the moments leading up to the murder.
Ultimately, Justice Richard Mwongo ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and found Koskei guilty on March 4.
He further directed that a pre-sentencing probation report be compiled and submitted within 21 days.
Koskei's sentencing hearing will be heard on March 27, when the judge will consider how long he will serve in prison.
Justice Mwongo will consider the probation report and any mitigating or aggravating factors before issuing the final sentence.
