Shock as Kenyan MP accepts death sentence for his son

Matuga MP Hassan Mwanyoha surprised many when on April 19 said that his family had accepted a court ruling in which his son was sentenced to death for robbery with violence.

The case was the talk of town and in his rural constituency, with some accusing the MP of neglecting his son, who had been in remand since August last year when he was arrested.

Mafanikio Mwanyoha was remanded after failing to raise a bond of Sh2 million and to worsen matters his family did not attend the court sessions.

While supporting the MP over his actions Kwale Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga said the MP had done his best to show his son the correct path.

Ms. Chidzuga said the MP had secured the release of his son from custody on more than three occasions and had reached a point where he had given up because of Mafanikio's refusal to desist from criminal activities.

"Mr Mwanyoha has shown us a very good example, which has to be emulated, but unfortunately, there are people who are moving around claiming that he does not love to his son," she said.

A judge in Kwale handed the sentence against Mafanikio after he found the MP's son and his accomplice, Hussein Hassan guilty.

The two committed the offence on August 19, last year, at Bougan Villa Estate in Diani.

They were accused of violently robbing Peter Schadwsky of a bag, an LG mobile phone, a pair of spectacles, a company ID and five credit cards valued at Sh14,625.

"He is above 18 years and is the one who knows best whether he committed the offence or not," the MP said.

The MP further said that Mafanikio had informed the family that he had filed an appeal against the sentence.

"Everybody has a right to appeal. Therefore, it is his right," said Mr Mwanyoha, who appeared reluctant to address the subject at length.

According to him, the family would wait for the outcome of Mafanikio's appeal.

Mafanikio is facing another robbery with violence case at the Mombasa High Court.