Man Charged Over Killing of Form Two Student Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

The High Court in Mombasa has sentenced 22-year-old Lewis Kazungu Charo to 20 years in prison after he admitted killing 17-year-old Farida Kadzo, a Form Two student from Kilifi County.

Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo Micheni delivered the sentence after Charo entered a plea agreement and accepted a reduced charge of manslaughter. The court heard that Farida was killed in June last year at Mferejini Village in Kijipwa sub-location following a violent confrontation between the two, who were in a relationship. 

Charo, who worked as a palm wine tapper for the victim’s family, used a wine tapper’s knife during the attack. In her ruling, Justice Micheni said the maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment, but noted that such a penalty would be excessive for a young offender who had pleaded guilty. 

She also referred to the increasing number of femicide cases reported in Kilifi and other marginalised areas, and said the justice system must strengthen efforts to protect women and girls at risk of violence. The court considered submissions from defence lawyer Vincent Swanya, who told the court that Charo had shown remorse and taken responsibility for his actions. 

Probation reports and victim impact statements were also reviewed before sentencing. Justice Micheni further noted that Farida had previously survived a defilement case at the age of 15. The case resulted in a conviction at Shanzu Law Courts.

International Justice Mission (IJM), which had supported Farida during the earlier case, welcomed the sentence and described it as an important step towards accountability. Aggrey Juma, IJM Kenya’s Manager for Violence Against Women and Children, said the ruling could not reverse the loss of life but highlighted the need for stronger protection measures for survivors of violence. 

IJM also pointed to other recent killings in Kilifi, including the death of Baby Keziah, and said the incidents reflected a wider pattern of violence against women and children in the region. The sentence concludes nearly a year of court proceedings for Farida’s family. 

In her judgment, Justice Micheni said the case should serve as a warning about the growing threat of femicide and the need to ensure survivors of violence receive adequate protection.