As the year comes to an end, a review of some of the key cases from the courtrooms in Nakuru offered a plain reflection of society’s fault lines.

From trials of murder cases to gang rape, robbery with violence and possession of narcotics, these proceedings captured moments of loss, accountability, and justice, stories that shaped the year and continue to resonate beyond the bench.

Brian Odhiambo, this is a name that has kept the Nakuru Law Courts in the news headlines for the better part of this year. Brian Odhiambo was last seen on January 18 as he was being detained by Kenya Wildlife Rangers; however, that was the last time his family ever got to see him.

After his disappearance on January 18, protests broke out in Kivumbini for the better part of six days, and after the protests, the matter landed in court. This time, a Habeas Corpus application was filed which sought orders from the court to have the Kenya Wildlife Rangers (KWS) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) produce Brian in court, whether dead or alive; however, this never came to be.

However, the family did not give up in seeking justice for their kin; soon enough, they were back at the courts, this time seeking to have a public inquest to look into the disappearance of their kin. The KWS were opposed to having this inquest granted and, in their application, they termed this as a “fishing expedition”.

However, six KWS rangers were later arrested and linked to the disappearance of the 31-year-old. The case is still ongoing in court, and the hearing is set to continue in February.

Another case that evoked public interest and was the talk of town was that of Baby Mercy. The parents of the 3-year-old were denied a chance to bury their child.

In the middle of the controversy, the chief mortician, Michael Ndiritu, and his deputy, Mary Muthoni, who both work at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital, were charged with the hindrance of a burial. The matter is still ongoing in court.

Michael Ndiritu, and his deputy, Mary Muthoni, arraigned in court in the case of Baby Mercy on October 22.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA /MTAA WANGU

Perhaps one of the most shocking stories of the year was that of Leonard Kimtai, the man who was found guilty of two counts of gang rape, three counts of robbery with violence, and three counts of indecent acts, involving a minor and two adults.

The horrific account of three witnesses was so graphic reveling the context and truth in what Kimutai together with two others, did on the night of March 18, 2014.
Leonard was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to 40 years.

In another case, George Mwangi, the man who was sentenced to 30 years for being in possession of 32 rolls of bhang also made it to the public discourse after the sentence was considered too harsh.

Mwangi, when he was arraigned in court, pleaded guilty to the charges. However, despite pleading with the court for leniency claiming that the bhang was for his own personal consumption he was handed the heavy punishment.

The case of Police Constable Jackson Konga, the man who shot and killed his superior, Sergeant Christopher Kimeli, came to an end, Jacksonbeing slapped with a 30-year sentence for the murder.
The incident occurred on August 8 2023 at the K9 Unit, Dog Section, Nakuru East Sub County.
Witnesses testified of how Jackson shot his boss and remarked that he had “finished” the deceased and was now a “civilian”.

Jackson Kipkoech Konga appearing in court

Photo credit: FILE

The case of Lizz Mwangi perhaps also stood out as one of the most horrific tales to have been witnessed. The 18-year-old confessed to the killing of a three-year-old, Margaret Wanjiru. During the plea taking, she pleaded guilty to the murder.

The prosecution told the court how Njeri strangled the baby to death.
CCTV footage that was presented in court as evidence showed a teenager wearing a red trench coat and grey trousers leave the church gate, followed closely by a young girl. The teenager was later identified as Njeri.
The judge handed Lizz a 20-year sentence.

As the year closes, these cases remain etched in the public record, some concluded, others still unfolding. Together, they reflect a justice system in motion, grappling with accountability, loss, and unanswered questions.

As 2026 approaches, the courtroom doors will open again, carrying new testimonies, fresh rulings, and the persistent demand for justice that continues to define the year ahead.

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Author Spotlight

Bret Sanya