Nairobi, Kenya – The murder trial of Multimedia University student Sylvia Kemunto commenced in earnest on Monday at the Kibera Law Courts, with eight prosecution witnesses taking the stand in proceedings marked by emotional testimony and chilling accounts linking the accused to the killing.
The Accused
Eric Philip Mutinda, who has denied the charges, is accused of murdering Kemunto in 2025 after she reportedly declined his advances. The prosecution maintains that witness testimony places Mutinda at the centre of events leading to Kemunto’s death and the subsequent disposal of her body.
Emotional Testimony
The trial opened with Kemunto’s mother as the first witness. Overcome with grief, she broke down in tears as she recounted her daughter’s disappearance, prompting the court to briefly pause proceedings.
Witness Accounts
One of the most striking testimonies came from a fellow student and friend of the accused, who testified under witness protection. The witness told the court that Mutinda called him on April 3, allegedly confessing to the crime.
“The conversation I had with Eric on April 3, he called me and said he is the one who killed Sylvia by strangulation, packed her in a suitcase and took her to her room using the door behind Block B which has CCTV,” the witness testified.
The witness added that Mutinda declined to reveal whether he had received help, but mentioned he was in Sultan Hamud at the time and intended to travel to Tanzania using his father’s car.
Additional testimony came from Kemunto’s roommate, who said she left their room to attend church on March 30 and returned to find it in disarray. Another student testified that she saw Mutinda struggling to carry a heavy green suitcase down a staircase that same day.
Later that evening, the witness accompanied Kemunto’s roommate to identify the body, which she recognised by the clothing.
A fourth witness, Mutinda’s roommate, gave a chilling account, stating that he found the accused with the suitcase believed to have been used to transport Kemunto’s body, adding that Mutinda was using it as a pillow.
Court Proceedings
The trial is being presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza. The prosecution, led by Christine Timoi, indicated it will continue to rely on witness testimony and physical evidence to build its case. The defence, represented by Johnston Junior, has questioned the credibility of the witnesses.
Conclusion
The trial of Sylvia Kemunto’s alleged killer has opened with harrowing testimony and strong emotions, underscoring the gravity of the case. As proceedings continue, the court will weigh the evidence presented to determine the fate of the accused.
