Six Convicted in 2013 Murder of Former Kenyan MP George Thuo

On Friday, April 19, 2024, the Milimani High Court in Kenya found six individuals guilty of the murder of former Juja MP George Thuo. The court ruled that Thuo was poisoned with the pesticide cyhalothrin at the Porkies Club in Thika on November 17, 2013, leading to his death from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

The convicted individuals include the club's proprietor Paul Wainaina Boiyo, Thuo's aide Christopher Lumbazio Andika, DJs Andrew Karanja Wainaina and Samuel Kuria Ngugi, waitress Esther Ndinda Mulinge who served the poisoned drink, and patron Ruth Watahi Irungu. The court determined that the prosecution had proven its case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Roslyn Korir agreed with medical reports that traces of pesticide were discovered in Thuo's body, supporting the claim that he was poisoned at the club. "The medical reports presented in court showed that Thuo's body had pesticide components, and the judge ruled that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient to prove that Thuo's drink was laced with the chemical cyhalothrin, a pesticide," court records state.

The judge rejected the defense's argument that the accused should be acquitted if they were not found in possession of the poison. "The judge stated that poison is a chemical weapon and circumstantial evidence can be used to link them to the murder," according to the court ruling.

The court highlighted that the proximity of Boiyo, Andika, Wainaina, and Ngugi to Thuo on the day of the incident presented them with the opportunity to tamper with his drink. The judge also questioned the sincerity of Irungu's claim that she had bought Thuo a drink as a gesture of friendship, referring to her hug as a "Judas kiss."

The six individuals convicted of George Thuo's murder have been remanded in custody pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 3, 2024. The defense lawyers pleaded for the convicts to be granted bail until sentencing, but the prosecution opposed this application. The court directed the prosecution to respond to the bail application on April 23.

Key Takeaways

• Kenyan court convicts 6 for 2013 murder of former MP George Thuo.
• Thuo was poisoned with pesticide cyhalothrin at Porkies Club in Thika.
• Prosecution proved case against accused beyond reasonable doubt.
• Circumstantial evidence linked accused to tampering with Thuo's drink.
• Conviction highlights Kenyan judiciary's commitment to pursuing justice.