Three Githurai matatu operators to hang for undressing woman

Three Matatu operators have been sentenced to death for violently robbing and sexually assaulting a female passenger in Githurai 44 three years ago.

In his ruling, Nairobi Chief Magistrate, Francis Andayi, said that prosecution had proved its case against the accused persons further slapping another 25 years on the second count.

The three; Nicholas Mwangi, a bus driver, and Meshack Mwangi, his conductor, and Edward Gitau, jointly with others, robbed the woman of Ksh 10,200, a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone worth Ksh 27,000, one bottle of perfume, a clutch bag and make-up kit all amounting to Ksh 41,700.

They also sexually assaulted the victim, an incident which caused an uproar after a video was circulated on social media.

“It takes the courage of a lady to report such an incident she retaliated and slapped the person and therefore suffered humiliation because of her right to privacy,” said the Magistrate.

The Magistrate further said that the complaint identified the 1st accused person as the leader of the gang.

“It is important to respect all human being because we are all equal and even more important to respect a woman not to humiliate or harass a woman.”

The court further disagreed with the defense submissions that the lady was too drunk and her evidence was not reliable.

Submissions by the conductor that he was not aware of what was going on were also dismissed.

“He was aware of the incident and took part in the heinous crime,” ruled Andayi.

12 witnesses testified in the case.

In mitigation, the accused persons pleaded for leniency on grounds that they have been behind bars for three years with pump attendant indicating that he is a family man who is the sole breadwinner of his wife and two kids.

The 25 years will, however, remain in abeyance.