Murang'a man sentenced to 30 years for killing his father, setting body on fire

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the incident occurred when Michael Muchiri Mwangi and his father engaged in an altercation outside their home on the fateful night at 7.30 pm. 

Thereafter, the accused's mother heard a loud bang, prompting her to run to the scene and find Mwangi standing beside a fire blazing in their banana plantation. 

The mother is said to have questioned Mwangi, who issued no responses. Police officers, who arrived at the scene, conducted preliminary investigations which revealed that Mwangi had struck his father on the head before dousing him with petrol and setting him ablaze. 

The police indicated that the deceased suffered burns that covered more than 60 per cent of his body. 

Following Mwangi's arrest, the police imposed murder charges for the crime. The suspect later admitted to killing his father in exchange for a plea bargain with the ODPP to reduce the charge to manslaughter. 

Appearing before Lady Justice Githua, Principal Prosecution Counsel Caroline Muriu appealed to the Court to impose a sentence that would send a strong message against such offences. 

Justice Githua concurred with the Prosecution's submission and sentenced Mwangi to 30 years' imprisonment.