Two Sentenced to 15 Years for Brutal Killing During Chang’aa Spree
Before his death, Tenai provided a detailed account of the assault, identifying his attackers. “Despite severe pain, he described the incident, including the names of those who assaulted him and the location,”
Daniel Kiprotich (right) and his co-accused, Meshack Kipchirchir, appear before the Eldoret High Court for the brutal killing of Nicholas Tenai.
Two casual laborers, Daniel Kiprotich and Meshack Kipchirchir, have been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Eldoret High Court for the murder of their colleague, **Nicholas Tenai**, during a chang’aa drinking spree.
Delivering the verdict, Justice Reuben Nyakundi noted that the prosecution had convincingly proven the case. “The prosecution has proved its case against the two beyond any reasonable doubt. I, therefore, sentence them to serve 15 years each in jail,” ruled Justice Nyakundi.
The Incident
The court heard that the tragic incident occurred on September 28, 2019, at Baharini Trading Centre in Turbo Sub-county, Uasin Gishu County. According to police constable Simon Wanjala, who investigated the case, the deceased was attacked by his co-workers after refusing to pay for their drinks.
“The deceased narrated to me from his hospital bed that his attackers—whom he identified by name—cornered him on his way home, twisted his neck, and struck his ribs, leaving him unconscious,” testified Wanjala.
Tenai, a father of three, succumbed to his injuries four days later at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he had been rushed in critical condition.
Witness Accounts
Beatrice Nyongesa, an illicit brew seller, testified that she served Tenai alongside 10 other patrons on the fateful evening.
“I knew the deceased well; he was a loyal customer and lived just 100 meters from my business premises,” she said.
Nyongesa recounted a bitter exchange between Tenai and the accused, who demanded he buy them chang’aa. “Tenai refused, explaining he had only Ksh 170 left to buy food for his family. This angered the suspects,” she told the court.
Nyongesa also revealed she was initially arrested alongside the accused but later released and turned into a state witness.
Deceased’s Last Words
Before his death, Tenai provided a detailed account of the assault, identifying his attackers. “Despite severe pain, he described the incident, including the names of those who assaulted him and the location,” said Wanjala.
The court heard that the deceased was left on the roadside, where he spent the night before his family found and rushed him to the hospital. Acting on his statement, police arrested Kiprotich and Kipchirchir from their homes.
Both accused denied the murder charges during the trial.
Justice Nyakundi’s ruling brings closure to the family of the deceased while sending a strong message against violence stemming from alcohol-fueled disputes.
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