Nigerian man sentenced to 40 years for brutally killing Kenyan fiancée
Christian Baledi Kadima, also known as Erick Kambaye Katalayi, was convicted of murder by Machakos High Court Judge Francis Rayola Olel.
A Nigerian national has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the brutal killing of his fiancée, Advocate Elizabeth Koki Musyoki, in 2021.
Christian Baledi Kadima, also known as Erick Kambaye Katalayi, was convicted of murder by Machakos High Court Judge Francis Rayola Olel.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) reported that Kadima fatally attacked his fiancée at her residence in Ferndale Court, Syokimau, Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County, after a visit to her home.
The prosecution successfully established its case by presenting 14 witnesses, each of whom provided testimony connecting Kadima to the crime, ultimately leading to his conviction and sentence.
Kadima initially pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court on February 9, 2021.
However, the prosecution, led by Dennis Mang’are and Mary Otulo, built a strong case, presenting fourteen witnesses who effectively established Kadima’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The court ultimately found Kadima guilty of murder under Section 203, in conjunction with Section 204 of the Penal Code (Cap 63) of the Laws of Kenya, and sentenced him accordingly.
During the trial, it was revealed that on the evening of January 7, 2021, Kadima visited Elizabeth, who was reportedly unwell at the time.
The house help testified that what began as a regular visit quickly escalated into tragedy when she heard loud noises coming from the couple’s bedroom.
Soon after, Kadima was seen leaving in a hurry, breathing heavily, and appearing distressed.
The following morning, Elizabeth’s lifeless body was found, her face obscured by bloodstained pillows.
A post-mortem examination carried out by Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Odour determined that Elizabeth’s cause of death was asphyxia resulting from suffocation.
The autopsy also uncovered bruising on her neck and internal injuries, indicating she had been involved in a violent struggle.