A High Court judge has advised the defence team in the murder trial of a man accused of killing a State House presidential guard to explore the option of a plea bargain.
During proceedings at Kibera High Court, Justice Diana Kavedza urged the defence counsel representing Kithuka Musyimi to discuss with their client the possibility of changing his plea from not guilty.
The judge noted that a guilty plea could open negotiations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), potentially leading to a reduction of the charge from murder to manslaughter, which carries a lighter sentence.
"The evidence against the accused appears overwhelming. A plea of guilty may save judicial time and could result in the prosecution considering a lesser charge," Justice Kavedza stated, while emphasising that the final decision rests with the accused and his legal team.
Case Details
The trial relates to an incident on October 13, 2025, near a State House entrance in Nairobi. The prosecution presented four witnesses who testified that Musyimi approached two police officers armed with a bow and arrow, aiming at one of them.
Officers were unable to respond with gunfire immediately, as Musyimi used passing vehicles as cover, placing other officers and civilians at risk.
Emotional testimony described the victim, officer Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, pleading for help before succumbing to excessive bleeding.
The trial continues with remaining prosecution witnesses expected to testify in subsequent hearings.
