A security guard on Thursday, January 19, confessed to killing a university student, attributing the crime to depression episodes.
Ezra Kipkemei Kembo was charged at Nakuru Criminal Court on January 5, with the offence of killing Jeruto between December 26 and 31.
While confessing, before Nakuru judge, Theresa Matheka, the suspect claimed that he killed Karatina University student, Phyllis Jepleting Jeruto at his home.
Jeruto was a first-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Education at the time of her demise.
Her decomposing body was discovered in Kipkemboi's house at Naka estate within the Nakuru East sub-county.
A subsequent post-mortem conducted by pathologist Titus Ndulungu indicated that pressure was exerted on the deceased's neck.
"The doctor formed the opinion that the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck compression indicating manual strangulation," Sunguti reported.
Kipkemboi claimed that he killed Jeruto despite being informed of the magnitude of punishment a murder charge attracts.
The security guard, however, alleged that he suffered depression when Jeruto was killed at his house.
At the same time, Justice Matheka acknowledged a psychiatric evaluation report that confirmed that Kipkemboi indeed experienced episodes of depression and ordered that he be taken through counselling at the prison.
Justice Matheka also ordered that the matter be mentioned on January 24, to decide the suspect's fate.
Matheka also asked the prosecution to prepare the facts of the case before the court could deliver its verdict.
The suspect was arrested by police officers on January 5, while seeking treatment at Kibwareng health centre in Kibochoi - Nandi south sub-county after attempting suicide.
Judge Matheka ordered Kipkemboi to be remanded under protective custody, where he will be offered necessary medical assistance.
