Suspect confesses to killing four women, pleads for mercy

Evans Michori Kebwaro, prime suspect, in the murder of women in Mawanga, Nakuru North sub county. [File, Standard

The prime suspect in the gruesome murders of four women in Mawanga, Nakuru County two years ago has pleaded for leniency.

While appearing for mitigation before Justice Patricia Gichohi in Nakuru Thursday, Evans Michori Kebwaro expressed his remorse for the murder of Diana Opicho on June 24, 2022 at Mawanga.

Kebwaro,27, is charged alongside Kevin Omondi, Josphat Simiyu, Julius Omondi, Isaac Kinyanjui, and Dennis Mmbolo.

The six are also facing charges of killing Grace Wanjiku, Susan Wambui, Beatrice Akinyi, and Opicho between December 21, 2021, and June 24, 2022.

Kebwaro pleaded guilty to one count of murder and agreed to be a state witness on the murder of the other four women after a plea bargain.

Kebwaro through his lawyer informed the court to consider his cooperation with the police which led to the arrest of the co-accused, shortened investigations period, and saved court time.

"He has accepted responsibility for all the murders and has the potential to rehabilitate, the court should focus on the accused's cooperation," Kebwaro said through his lawyer.

He claimed that he was a first-time offender and had the potential for rehabilitation pleading for a lenient sentence.

Prosecution counsel James Kihara revealed that Kebwaro had agreed to become a state witness after pleading guilty to the charge of manslaughter and would testify against his co-suspects.

Kihara informed the court to consider Kebwaro's cooperation which was instrumental in the arrest of the suspects.

He, however, urged the court to consider the gravity of the crime by giving Kebwaro a sentence that would serve as a lesson to others involved or intend to commit similar offenses.

Justice Gichohi ruled that Kebwaro be sentenced on November 12. He is to remain in remand.