Man handed four years for manslaughter

By WILFRED AYAGA

NAIROBI; KENYA: A 29 year-old man alleged to have killed an acquaintance over a Sh25 debt five years ago was Wednesday committed to four years in prison.

Justice Fred Ochieng convicted Francis Waruka on manslaughter charges for killing Shem Ochieng over what prosecution witnesses claimed was a money dispute between the two.

Ochieng died after being attacked by the accused with assorted weapons, at Ngei Estate, Huruma in Nairobi after reportedly going to claim money he was owed in the company of two other friends.

In his defence Waruka told the court he had acted in self-defence after the deceased and his friends went to his home intent on committing a burglary. He denied owing the accused any money.

In his ruling however, Justice Ochieng faulted the investigating officer in the case saying he had failed to present strong evidence that would have resulted in a heavier sentence for the accused.

He agreed with the defence there were loopholes in the investigation regarding the killing but added that that notwithstanding, it had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.