The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has requested the High Court to impose the death penalty on four men recently convicted for their roles in the violent robberies surrounding the 2015 killing of former Kabete MP George Muchai.
Following the March 13, 2026, convictions of Erick Munyera Isabwa, Raphael Kimani Gachie, Mustafa Kimani Anyoni, Stephen Ashitiva Lipapo, Jane Wanjiru, and Margaret Njeri Wachiuri, the case moved to the sentencing phase. Appearing before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Monday, April 7, 2026, Principal Prosecution Counsel Willy Momanyi argued that the first four convicts – Isabwa, Kimani, Anyoni, and Lipapo – deserve the ultimate sentence due to the gravity of their actions.
The prosecution contends that the group’s use of lethal weapons, including pistols and a G3 rifle, during the 2015 crime spree justifies the severest punishment available under Kenyan law. Supporting this position, the state noted,
“It is our submission that this honourable Court metes out the death sentence against the 1st to the 4th accused persons in line with the principle of proportionality as provided for under clause 1.2.1 of the Sentencing Guidelines.”
The prosecution further argued that the court must weigh several critical factors when determining the final punishment, including the severity of the crimes, the convicts’ past criminal records, and the need to protect the public. Citing clause 2.3.15 of the sentencing policy guidelines, State Counsel Willy Momanyi insisted that these elements support a death sentence for the four primary offenders.
The State highlighted the devastating impact of the group’s actions, noting that their violent spree claimed multiple lives.
“It is our submission that the gravity of the offence herein goes without saying; there was a spate of robberies conducted by the 1st to the 4th accused which resulted in the death of 4 individuals, among them the late Hon. George Muchai,” the prosecution stated.
Beyond the crimes themselves, the DPP pointed to the defiant behavior of the convicts during the lengthy trial as a reason for a harsh sentence.
Momanyi recalled an instance where the four men showed open contempt for the legal process after a ruling went against them. According to the submissions, the convicts told the court, “hii kesi hatutakuja tena; baki huko na hiyo kesi na huyo Momanyi,” signaling their lack of remorse or respect for the proceedings.
The prosecution further revealed that the court record contains numerous instances of indiscipline involving the first four convicts while in custody. According to the state, these individuals reportedly threatened the seventh accused person, Simon Wambugu Gichamba, who was later acquitted. This hostility became so severe that authorities transferred the four men to Industrial Area Remand Prison to ensure Gichamba’s safety at Kamiti Prisons.
“This conduct by the 1st to the 4th accused persons shows that for the objectives of sentencing to be met, the court should consider the death sentence,” State Counsel Willy Momanyi argued.
The State also highlighted a total lack of remorse throughout the trial, noting that Raphael Kimani openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the court’s judgment immediately after his conviction for robbery with violence.
Momanyi urged the court to prioritize community safety by imposing the death penalty, citing evidence from the judgment where the convicts were heard arguing about a jammed door. The prosecution contends this exchange suggests the group had been carrying out similar violent crimes just the night before their arrest.
In contrast, the DPP noted that the fifth and sixth convicts, Jane Wanjiru and Margaret Njeri, maintained a respectful demeanor during the legal proceedings.
The prosecution asked the court to consider the time these two women have already spent in custody when determining their final sentences. Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina scheduled the sentencing for all six individuals for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 2:30 pm.
