The Kisumu High Court has sentenced 30-year-old Shem Akuku Otieno to death following his guilty plea for the murder of four family members in Muhoroni.
Otieno admitted to fatally attacking his pregnant wife, their son, his 78-year-old uncle, and 58-year-old aunt at Milenya Village. The killings occurred in 2024, with the wife being five months pregnant at the time.
Details of the Murders
- Otieno first killed his wife and their son.
- He then proceeded to a neighboring homestead where he murdered his uncle and aunt, Mary Otieno.
- He used a machete during the attacks.
After the killings, Otieno surrendered to authorities and confessed to the crimes. His parents expressed shock, describing him as non-confrontational and unable to explain his actions.
Judicial Ruling
Justice Joe Omindo delivered the sentence on July 27, 2026, noting that although the Supreme Court has declared mandatory death sentences unconstitutional, the brutality and impact of these murders justified capital punishment in this case.
Justice Omindo emphasized that the apology from Otieno did not match the severity of the crimes, which have deeply affected the community.
Sentence details:
- Death sentence on all four counts of murder.
- Execution of three of the death sentences will be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the first count.
- Otieno has 14 days to appeal the ruling.
