Eldoret Court Sentences Wife and Accomplice to 30 Years for Newspaper Vendor’s Murder

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Following the sentencing, Ms. Muhinda reacted with an outburst of jubilation, exclaiming in Swahili, “Thank God, my enemies have been defeated!” However, the prosecution has since indicated their intention to appeal the verdict.

Ekitu Amatuka and Melisa Muhinda at the Eldoret High Court after being sentenced to 30 years each for the murder of Eldoret newspaper vendor Geoffrey Matenje, who was killed six years ago.

In a verdict delivered on June 5, the Eldoret High Court has  sentenced Melisa Muhinda (32) and her co-accused, Ekitu Amatuka, to 30 years imprisonment each for the 2018 murder of Geoffrey Matenje, a newspaper vendor.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi presided over the case and based his decision on a substantial body of evidence. “The circumstantial evidence presented undeniably places both accused persons at the center of this meticulously planned murder,” Justice Nyakundi stated.

Nyakundi specifically highlighted Amatuka’s travel from Lodwar to Eldoret solely for the purpose of the crime, allegedly orchestrated by Muhinda. He further emphasized, “The defendants are undoubtedly aware of the truth surrounding Mr. Matenje’s murder, a truth they deliberately withheld from the court. However, their conscience will not be absolved of this act, particularly considering the apparent affair between Ms. Muhinda and the second accused.”

Underscoring the gravity of the crime, Justice Nyakundi declared, “This court is entrusted with the dispensation of justice, not mercy. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the accused’s culpability in this heinous crime. Therefore, a sentence of 30 years for each defendant is warranted.”

The judge noted the complete absence of remorse displayed by the accused throughout the  trial. “While reports indicate Mr. Amatuka has no prior criminal record,” Nyakundi said, “To the second accused person, reports indicate you have never been involved in any other criminal offense and are otherwise an upright person. However, your plea for leniency due to being the sole breadwinner for your two wives and children does not weigh the scale against the crime committed.”

Following the sentencing, Ms. Muhinda reacted with an outburst of jubilation, exclaiming in Swahili, “Thank God, my enemies have been defeated!” However, the prosecution has since indicated their intention to appeal the verdict.

The victim’s family expressed disappointment with the sentence. “We are deeply dissatisfied with the court’s decision,” stated Ernest Matete, a family member. “We endured a lengthy trial process and anticipated life sentences or, at the very least, sentences exceeding 60 years.”

Matenje’s family expresses disappointment outside the Eldoret High Court.

Matenje was savagely murdered in 2018. The prosecution alleges that he was hacked on the head, neck, and legs before his body was dismembered and concealed in a sack. It is further alleged that Ms. Muhinda, with Mr. Amatuka’s assistance, loaded the body parts onto a motorcycle intending to dispose of his body.

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