Machakos University Student Convicted of Murdering High School Girl.
The High Court in Naivasha has found Fredrick Mwonjoria, a 22-year-old Machakos University student, guilty of murdering a 15-year-old girl, Valerian Njeri, five years ago. Lady Justice Grace Nzioka presided over the case and ordered Mwonjoria to remain in custody pending sentencing.
At the time of the crime, which occurred on November 28, 2019, Mwonjoria was a 17-year-old student at Nanyuki High School. He attacked the Form Two girl, his neighbor at Mirera Estate near Naivasha, by luring her into his home and stabbing her 12 times.
The girl’s body was later discovered outside the accused’s house, with blood trails leading to his room. The police recovered the murder weapon and blood-stained clothes from the scene.
The prosecution presented evidence that proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, Mwonjoria’s involvement in the murder. Justice Nzioka observed that the accused admitted to being the last person seen with the victim and acknowledged they had an argument.
However, he failed to explain her subsequent whereabouts.
Key Findings from the Ruling
- The post-mortem report indicated that the victim was stabbed 12 times while alive.
- Blood stains were found in the accused’s room and on his body shortly after the crime.
- Evidence showed that Mwonjoria hid the body temporarily in his room, had a meal with his family, and later dumped the body near the roadside.
Justice Nzioka concluded that these actions indicated malice and hatred, confirming the murder was intentional.
Mwonjoria’s lawyer, Benjamin Bogonko, informed the court that his client had academic obligations, including a project proposal presentation at Machakos University scheduled for February 4. The judge instructed the prosecution to determine if the presentation could be conducted virtually.
The court also requested a psychological assessment report for the accused before sentencing. The case has been scheduled for sentencing on February 23.
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| Timeline of Events | Details |
|---|---|
| November 28, 2019 | Crime occurred in Mirera Estate, Naivasha |
| Post-crime actions | Body hidden, meal shared with family, body dumped roadside |
| February 23, 2025 | Sentencing date scheduled |
Justice Nzioka affirmed that the evidence and actions of the accused made this a case of pure murder driven by malice.
Machakos University Student Convicted of Murdering High School Girl.
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