Slain journalist’s mother testifies against son-in-law

By Pamela Chepkemei

Nairobi, Kenya: The mother of the late journalist Wambui Kabiru Monday told a court that she received a phone call from her son-in-law informing her that he had killed her daughter.

“My phone rang, I went to the backyard near the kitchen to answer the call, Dola was on the line, he told me, Mum the truth is that Wambui is dead,” she recalled.

Agnes Kabiru who was testifying against her son-in-law, Moses Dola Otieno, who is on trial for the murder of Wambui, said she was terrified and threw away her  phone, then fell down as  she screamed.

 Her husband, spoke to Dola who allegedly confirmed that he had killed Wambui.

“He said Dola told him he smashed Wambui on the wall killing her,” said Agnes.

Wambui’s mother who shed tears as she testified before trial Judge Roselyn Korir said she would have forgiven Dola,  if he had not hidden the truth.

“I would like him to own up. Why don’t you just own up? I was ready to forgive,” said Agnes. She said she had been in and out of hospital following the tragedy. Her counsellor had also advised her to forgive Dola.

A  distraught Agnes narrated how Dola took her in circles as she tried to locate her daughter until late in the evening when she informed him that she would report the matter to the police.

She said Dola was initially a good man but he changed when he lost his job. Wambui, she said, informed her that at one point he threatened her with a knife and even slapped her.

She advised Wambui to move out of the house until the issues were resolved out but she did not because Dola’s mother intervened.

The hearing continues Tuesday.