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In Nyeri County, Eddy Ngari, a hitman convicted of manslaughter in connection with the murder of Daniel Mwangi, has filed an appeal against his 25-year prison sentence.
Ngari was sentenced on June 20, 2024, alongside his co-defendant, Raphael Wachira, who received a 30-year term for his role in the crime. The homicide, which took place on January 1, 2021, in Mweiga, initially led to murder charges against both men. Justice Magare Kizito, who managed the case, characterized the act as premeditated and driven primarily by financial incentives.
The court documents indicate that the two men were paid Sh100,000 for their actions, a sum that Justice Kizito remarks excessively trivialized the value of human life. In his sentencing remarks, the judge acknowledged Ngari's expressed remorse, which contributed to the lighter penalty in comparison to Wachira's. Wachira’s case was marked by a stark absence of remorse, which Justice Kizito highlighted during the proceedings.
“They shared the loot of Sh100,000, which cheapened human life to that amount. Even though the second accused—Raphael Wachira— entered into a plea-bargaining agreement, he is not remorseful. He has a callous disregard for life. There are no family members who will miss him being single at 36 years of age,” said Justice Kizito
Despite participating in a plea-bargaining agreement, Wachira was described as exhibiting a "callous disregard for life" and lacking familial connections, suggesting little to no support or concern from family members. Probation reports presented during the trial further underscore the contrasting psychological profiles of the two men.
Ngari, who had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts to a relative before his arrest, demonstrated remorse and sought leniency, while Wachira stubbornly denied any involvement in the crime, indicating a significant lack of accountability.