Weak evidence earns murder suspect liberty

By Patrick Kibet

Nakuru, Kenya: A man accused of murder during the post-election violence in Banita, Nakuru was set free due to lack of evidence.

Joseph Lokuret Nabanyi got a reprieve after Justice Roselyn Wendoh found him not guilty of the charges.

It was alleged that Nabanyi then living in troubled Banita area of Rongai murdered Kezia Karanja on January 25, 2008.

The key evidence in the case came from Stephen Ngori, 14, who recalled that her mother was receiving a call when he saw a group of people approaching their home armed.

He told the court he went into hiding but was able to identify Nabanyi, who worked as a casual labourer at their home, as he accosted her mother.

Deep cuts

He told the court he heard her mother asking the assailants why they were killing her before mentioning the names David and Joseph. Another witness Jane Ngina testified before court that on the fateful day while at home, she heard screams from a neighbouring farm.

Ngina told the court she hid behind a tree and was able to see the attackers and recognise one through his voice.

According to post-mortem report, Wangui died from massive blood loss after sustaining deep cuts to the head.

While testifying, Nabanyi denied the murder charge and noted that on the material day, he was at home after doing casual work. Justice Wendoh noted that identification by the boy could not be relied upon. She also noted that all witnesses gave contradictory evidence.