Man who killed brother over Sh10 sentenced to 15 years

Nakuru, Kenya: A man who stabbed his brother to death over Sh10 has been spared the hangman's noose after a lesser charge of manslaughter was preferred by a Nakuru High Court.

Justice Anyara Emukule Thursday found David Semetei Ekuru guilty of manslaughter after he confessed to killing his brother Robert Emana.

In his ruling, Justice Emukule averred that indeed the accused had been provoked by the deceased leading to his fatal reaction.

"The court has established that you were provoked but you reacted in an unnecessary manner. I therefore find you guilty of manslaughter and sentence you to 15 years in prison," he ruled.

The court had earlier heard through Police constable Joseph Leshula that the accused stabbed his brother over the said money.

Leshula said the deceased protested that the accused acted dishonestly and therefore did not deserve the money and opted to whip the accused with his belt when he became relentless in pursuit for the money.

Leshula also told the court that a witness, Gilbert Juma, who was present at the scene, informed the police that Semitei murdered Emana in retaliation.

"After losing the game, the deceased refused to part with his money accusing his brother of acting dishonestly," he told court.

He also stated that when the accused insisted to have the money, the deceased went berserk and drew out his belt which he lashed at the accused.

The accused in retaliation reached out from his sweater, which was a few meters away and drew out a knife and stabbed the deceased thrice on the neck, chest and abdomen killing him on the spot.

He told the court that the accused was finally apprehended within Mogotio by police officers, who launched a man hunt and the knife recovered from him.