Nigerian man jailed for 40 years over brutal murder of Kenyan fiancée

A Nigerian National has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the brutal murder of his fiancée, Advocate Elizabeth Koki Musyoki, in 2021.

The accused, Christian Baledi Kadima alias Erick Kambaye Katalayi, appeared before Machakos High Court Justice Francis Rayola Olel, who convicted him of the murder charges.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), Kadima is said to have murdered his fiancée in cold blood at her house in Ferndale Court in Syokimau, Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County in 2021 after paying her a visit.

The prosecution proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt by presenting 14 witnesses who testified against Kadima, linking him to the crime before he was slapped with the sentence.

“Kadima had initially pleaded not guilty when arraigned in court on February 9, 2021. The prosecution team, led by Mr. Dennis Mang’are and Ms. Mary Otulo, built a compelling case, presenting fourteen witnesses who helped establish Kadima’s culpability beyond a reasonable doubt,” ODPP stated.

“The court found Kadima guilty of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code (Cap 63) of the Laws of Kenya and sentenced him accordingly.”

During the hearing, the court heard that on the evening of January 7, 2021, Kadima visited Elizabeth, who was at the time reportedly feeling unwell.

The house help testified that what began as a seemingly routine visit quickly turned fatal when she heard loud noises erupting from the couple’s bedroom, followed by Kadima leaving in a hurry, breathing heavily and looking troubled.

Elizabeth’s lifeless body was discovered the following morning with her face covered by blood-stained pillows.

A post-mortem conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Odour concluded that Elizabeth died from asphyxia due to suffocation. The autopsy further revealed bruises on her neck and internal injuries, consistent with a vicious struggle.