Nakuru night guard found guilty of stabbing man 30 times over alleged affair with wife

A Nakuru security guard who stabbed a man 30 times after allegedly catching him with his wife at their matrimonial home has been found guilty of murder.

Justice Samwel Mohochi convicted Cyrus Rono for killing Moody Mukutsa on August 29, 2023, at Lanet in Nakuru County, ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge noted the brutality of the attack, pointing out that the number and severity of the injuries showed clear intent to kill.

"The magnitude and seriousness of the injuries inflicted establish the malice aforethought; how the body was found is indicative of the depth of violence he suffered at the hands of the assailants," Justice Mohochi said.

The court heard that Mukutsa was allegedly having an affair with Rono's wife in the couple's home when the incident occurred.

The judge rejected Rono's claims of provocation and self-defence, saying they were inconsistent with a reasonable response in such circumstances.

"Having considered the evidence adduced, I find the prosecution has proved its case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. I find Rono guilty of the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code and convict him accordingly," Mohochi ruled.

Mukutsa's brother, Miyao Nelson, told the court he knew Rono well as they were childhood neighbours and had never been in conflict.

Pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu testified that the victim's body had multiple slash and stab wounds distributed across his body, hands, and head.

He said the injuries were likely inflicted in a fit of rage, adding that Mukutsa died from a head injury caused by both blunt force and sharp trauma.

Corporal Julius Rop testified that while on duty at around 11:45 pm, Rono confessed to killing a man in his house. Rop and other officers went to Rono's home, where the guard unlocked the door and led them to the room where Mukutsa's body lay.

The investigating officer, Joseph Ngure, said they recovered a slasher from Rono's friend, Chege, which was believed to be the murder weapon.

Rono's wife was not at the house when police arrived and later refused to testify against him.

In his defence, Rono said he had left for his night guard duties at 6 pm but later called his wife several times without response. He claimed he returned home to collect money from a pair of trousers and found a man's shoes on the floor.

According to Rono, his wife ignored his questions about the shoes. Moments later, a man emerged from under the bed with a knife and pushed him.

Rono claimed he attacked Mukutsa out of anger, then locked the house and went with his wife to Chege's place, leaving the slasher there before reporting the matter to the police.

Rono will be sentenced at a later date.