KILIFI, Kenya- The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a major legal victory after a Kilifi man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife, in a case that shocked the community.
Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni of the High Court in Mombasa handed down the sentence to 40-year-old Murad Awadh Mbaraka, who was found guilty of killing his wife, Nuru Ibrahim, following ongoing domestic disputes, including arguments over her Instagram use.
The prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Frank Sirima, presented a strong case supported by ten witnesses.
Evidence showed that Mbaraka acted with premeditation and malice on the night of June 19, 2022, in front of the couple’s five children.
An 11-year-old daughter told the court she heard her mother scream for help as her father repeatedly assaulted her. Neighbours who attempted to intervene were reportedly threatened and blocked from entering the house.
Forensic analysis confirmed Mbaraka’s presence at the scene, linking him to the murder through blood evidence found on a knife, broken pieces of a baby’s cot, and his clothing.
Witnesses also refuted the accused’s claims that an intruder was responsible, and his employer disproved his alibi.
Justice Micheni described the act as deliberate and violent, highlighting the severity of the crime. She said the sentence serves both as punishment and a deterrent to domestic violence.
The court granted Mbaraka 14 days to appeal the judgment.
This ruling is seen as a landmark victory in Kenya’s fight against domestic violence, sending a strong message that such crimes will attract severe consequences.
