In a landmark ruling, three men have been convicted for the 2018 murder of Nairobi businessman Kassim Jiraw, also known as Sokorow, who was allegedly enticed to Kilifi County with the promise of a lucrative county government tender worth Sh23 million.
Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni delivered the verdict, finding former Kilifi County driver Eddlied Mandi Jilani, Makonde Ruwa Buni, and Ngira Karisa Charo guilty of murder. The judge ruled that the prosecution had established the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Details of the Case
- Jiraw had paid Sh650,000 as facilitation fees after being assured of securing a tender to supply X-ray foils and air conditioners to Kilifi hospitals.
- He was also promised a position on the county's tender committee, but the tender was eventually awarded to another individual.
- Jiraw was last seen alive after being summoned to Kilifi to formalise the agreement.
- His body, found days later in Arabuko Sokoke Forest, was discovered to have been strangled and burned with sulphuric acid.
Trial Highlights
- During the trial, Charo initially confessed to strangling Jiraw, claiming he was hired by Mandi, but later retracted his confession, alleging coercion by detectives.
- A business associate testified that Jiraw transferred money to Mandi and had multiple meetings in Kilifi before disappearing.
- The court determined that the murder was a direct consequence of a common design among the accused, holding all equally responsible.
Justice Micheni cancelled the bond terms for the first two accused and issued an arrest warrant for the third. Pre-sentencing reports were ordered, with sentencing set for July 30, 2026.
The prosecution characterised the crime as an abuse of public office involving fraud and murder of an innocent citizen.
