'I have learned': Six individuals in Muchai case ask court to consider time served

Suspects present during the judgement linked to the murder of former Kabete MP George Muchai at Milimani law courts, Nairobi on March 13, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Six individuals linked to robberies connected to the 2015 killing of former Kabete Member of Parliament George Muchai have asked the court for leniency, citing good conduct in custody and participation in rehabilitation programmes.

The matter came before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Thursday, with the six making personal pleas ahead of sentencing.

Stephen Asitiva, one of the individuals, told the court that he has developed leadership skills during nearly 12 years in custody since the events occurred.

“I have been in custody for over 11 years, and since I have been there, I have not been charged before or confronted anyone during jail time," he said.

"An officer in charge in jail said I was behaving well, as per a report I have. Nimejifunza vitu nyingi. I have learned how to conduct myself,” Asitiva added, asking the court to consider his time in custody as a first-time experience.

He also urged the court to take into account the rehabilitation he had undergone while in prison.

“If I can be given a chance, I can educate others. The law has caught up with me, but I was unable to defend myself at the time. I ask the court to consider the time I have spent in custody as it has rehabilitated me,” he said, citing the biblical story of the prodigal son to reflect his remorse.

The court found the six individuals responsible for robbery with violence, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and related offences linked to the theft of property worth approximately Sh1.1 million from several people on the nights of February 6 and 7, 2015.

It was determined that Erick Munyera, Raphael Kimani, Mustafa Kimani, and Asitiva were involved in three counts of robbery with violence across separate incidents, while Jane Wanjiru and Margaret Njeri were found responsible for related offences.

Defence lawyers highlighted that some of the individuals, particularly the women, are mothers to minor children and requested the court allow them time with their families.

"Both convicts (female ones) are mothers to minor children, so we pray the court gives time for children to spend time with their mothers," their counsel submitted.

They also noted that the sixth individual had undertaken about ten rehabilitation courses, including theological and paralegal training, as part of reintegration efforts.

Lawyer Danstan Omari, part of the defence team, requested two days to respond to submissions made by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The lawyers argued that the individuals had already served significant time and engaged in meaningful rehabilitation while in custody.

The court is expected to review the mitigation report ahead of sentencing, with the matter scheduled to resume on March 30, 2025, for directions.