Evans Juma Wanjala, who was accused of raping and murdering more than five children in Uasin Gishu County, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of the killings. The judgment was delivered by Justice Ruben Nyakundi at the Eldoret High Court, following overwhelming evidence that proved Wanjala committed the heinous crimes.
Wanjala confessed to the brutal killings of young children aged between 10 and 15 years, crimes that occurred approximately six years ago. The 36-year-old reportedly lured his victims by offering them sweets before sexually assaulting and murdering them. Nyakundi described the actions as “Menacing and deeply disturbing”.
Justice Nyakundi strongly condemned the gruesome acts, stating that it was time justice was served for the victims’ families.”You meticulously planned and carried out the act in a brutal manner this to me, constitutes a crime against humanity”he said. The court was informed that DNA analysis confirmed a match between samples collected from the shirt and underwear of one of the victims, 10-year-old Stacy Nabiso, and those taken from Wanjala.
In a chilling confession to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Wanjala detailed how he raped and murdered one of his victims, even leading officers to various locations where he committed the crimes.
Wanjala had attempted to enter into a plea bargain with the family of one of the victims, but the request was termed as an insult to the grieving family. Stacy Nabiso’s family, led by her mother Mary Nabiso, expressed relief after years of seeking justice for their loved one’s horrific death in 2021.” We have endured years of pain, but today, justice has finally given a voice to our children”said Mary.
The remains of four other children Linda Cherono (13), Mary Elusa (14), Grace Njeri (12), and Lucy Wanjiru (15)were exhumed from different areas of Moi’s Bridge in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties, having been killed in a similar way.
The court also heard that Wanjala is facing three additional charges related to sexual offenses in Makindu, where arrest warrants had already been issued.
Written by Charity Papai
