A 31-year-old Kisumu man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for murdering his aunt, Gaudencia Aoko Otieno, in February 2023.
The High Court in Kisumu found Kevin Omondi Nyapietho guilty of murdering Aoko on February 21, 2023, at Kapuonja Sub-location in Kisumu West Sub-County, Kisumu County.
Justice Joe M. Omido held that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nyapietho unlawfully assaulted Aoko and inflicted the injuries that caused her death. The court also found that the prosecution had established malice aforethought.
The prosecution, led by Counsel Mercy Mutheu Muema, called six witnesses during the trial, including a pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination. The medical evidence showed that Aoko died from severe head injuries caused by multiple lacerative wounds.
The court heard that Nyapietho confronted Aoko and his two cousins during supper on the night of the incident, accusing them of intending to poison him. He then left the house after locking the occupants inside from outside. One of his secondary school-going cousins subsequently locked the door from inside.
Nyapietho later returned and broke the door before attacking Aoko with a jembe. He struck her on the shoulder and head with the sharp side of the farm tool, causing the injuries that proved fatal.
Aoko had taken Nyapietho into her care after the death of his parents and had assumed a parental role in his life.
Nyapietho was charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap 63.
In its July 16, 2026, judgment, the High Court found that Nyapietho was the person who unlawfully assaulted Aoko and caused the fatal injuries. The court consequently convicted him of murder.
He was sentenced to 35 years in prison and informed of his right to appeal against the conviction and sentence within 14 days.
