I was coerced to kill trader, suspect tells court

A 31-year-old man has admitted to killing a Nairobi businessman.

Ngira Karisa agreed to change his plea from not guilty before Mombasa High Court judge Eric Ogola following a plea bargain.

Karisa was charged with the murder of Isaack Kassim alongside Eddlied Jilani and Makonde Ruwa on March 8, 2018. Mr Kassim was kidnapped and driven around in Kilifi County before he was killed. Before changing his plea on Friday, Mr Karisa was informed of the consequences by the court and what comes with the plea bargaining.

He, however, told the court that he was coerced to commit the crime, adding that he was never involved in planning the killings.

“I was not for the idea of killing the man but I was forced and my life was threatened at that particular time, I initiated the plea bargain with the prosecution,” said Karisa.

He said he cooperated with the police and confessed his crime to clear his conscious.

“I seek for court’s forgiveness and seek for its leniency in its sentencing. I ask for a term not exceeding four years,” he pleaded.

“I felt threatened and took part in the murder as a way to preserve my own life,” added Karisa.

The prosecution told the court the accused has been cooperative and truthful and should consider a maximum sentence of 10 years.