The High Court in Mombasa has sentenced Murad Awadh Mbaraka, 40, to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife, Nuru Ibrahim, in Majengo Kanamai, Kilifi County.
Court Ruling
Delivering judgment, Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni found Mbaraka guilty of killing his wife following persistent domestic disputes, including disagreements over her use of Instagram.
The court ruled that the sentence serves both as punishment and a deterrent against domestic violence.
Prosecution Case
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Principal Prosecution Counsel Frank Sirima presented ten witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Key evidence included:
- Testimony from the couple’s 11-year-old daughter, who said she heard her mother scream for help as the accused repeatedly assaulted her on the night of June 19, 2022.
- Neighbours who attempted to respond to the distress calls but were threatened and blocked from intervening.
- Forensic analysis confirming the presence of the deceased’s blood on a knife, broken pieces of a baby’s cot allegedly used in the attack, and on the accused’s clothing.
The witnesses also refuted Mbaraka’s alibi, where he claimed an intruder was responsible for the attack.
Significance
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing domestic violence cases with severity, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
