The Naivasha High Court has found Nicholas Koskei, a former United Nations (UN) employee guilty of the murder of his wife.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 5, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Koskei was convicted after a detailed trial that established his culpability in the death of Rhoda Mumbi Mutua.
“A former United Nations (UN) employee has been found guilty of the murder of his wife at Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge in Gilgil, Nakuru County. The Naivasha High Court convicted Nicholas Koskei after a detailed trial that established his culpability in the premeditated killing of Rhoda Mumbi Mutua,” the statement read in part.
While delivering the judgment Justice Richard Mwongo ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Mwongo noted that the murder was premeditated and that the accused had meticulously planned and executed the crime.
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Evidence presented before the court by the prosecution revealed that Koskei lured his wife to Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge on July 8, 2017, under the guise of a romantic getaway to celebrate his 36th birthday and resolve their marital differences.
However, the trip culminated in tragedy when Mumbi was discovered dead in the bathtub of their hotel room later that night.
The former UN employee was arrested and prosecuted under Section 203 as read together with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
During the trial, the prosecution paraded 17 witnesses, who pieced together events leading to Mumbi’s death as forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence collectively established Koskei’s role in the crime.
Meanwhile, the court has directed that a pre-sentencing probation report be compiled and submitted within 21 days.
The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for March 27, 2025, where the court will consider the report before issuing the final sentence on Koskei.
