Man denies raping, strangling 71-year-old granny

Joseph Omwenga who was accused of raping a 71-year-old woman and killing her in Emuhaya, Vihiga county. [Duncan Ocholla].

A man aged 22 was yesterday charged with raping and killing a 71-year-old granny.

A psychiatric test confirmed he is fit to stand murder trial.

Joseph Omwenga, alias Sidi, was accused of killing Beatrice Maua on July 27 in Embali village, Emuhaya sub-county, Vihiga.

The woman's body was dumped in a maize plantation.

Omwenga has been in police custody since July 29.

He was arrested after a hat believed to be his was recovered in a farm near where the body was recovered. 

Documents in court revealed that Maua, a vegetable vendor, was accosted on her way home.

Her body was found a few metres from the main road with signs of strangulation.

The autopsy report revealed the cause of death was strangulation with evidence of sexual assault.

It is believed that the murder was an attempt to cover-up the rape.

Blood samples were extracted from her to be matched with those of the suspect.

When he appeared before High Court judge William Musyoka, Omwenga denied the charges.

He was granted Sh250,000 bond with a surety of similar amount.

The case shall be heard on November 26.