MACHAKOS, Kenya — A man has been sentenced to death by a Kithimani court after being found guilty of robbery with violence against the mother of former Yatta Member of Parliament Charles Kilonzo.
Following the delivery of the judgment, the court found that the accused violently attacked and robbed the elderly woman of her mobile phone worth Sh15,000 and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on December 8, 2023, in the Ndarani area, Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County. The man reportedly cut the victim on the head with a panga, tied her up with ropes, and left her for dead before neighbours discovered her and rescued her.
The court described the assault as “vicious and heartless”, noting that the attack left Kilonzo’s mother unable to speak due to the severity of her injuries.
Under Section 296(2) of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya), robbery with violence attracts a mandatory death sentence, though in some cases, courts may impose life imprisonment or long-term custodial sentences depending on the circumstances.
The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, affirming that the evidence presented — including medical reports and eyewitness testimony — clearly linked the accused to the brutal attack.
The sentencing brings closure to a case that has drawn public sympathy, given the victim’s relationship to the former MP, who has largely maintained a low profile since exiting active politics.
Kilonzo first served as Yatta MP after being elected in 2002, later retaining the seat in 2007 on an ODM ticket. In 2013, he was succeeded by Francis Mwangangi, now the Machakos Deputy Governor.
He reclaimed the seat in 2017 as an independent candidate, but in 2022, he opted not to defend it, announcing instead his intention to contest the Machakos Senatorial race, which did not materialize.
In 2024, Kilonzo made headlines after one of his properties — a five-bedroom townhouse at Northwood Villas along Miotoni Lane, Karen — was listed for auction. The prime residence sits on a freehold title and is connected to key amenities, including water and electricity.
The ex-MP has not commented publicly on the recent ruling concerning his mother’s attacker.
