By H, KNA
A 25-year-old plumber from Kwale County will serve 25 years in jail, after being convicted of murdering a local businessman six years ago in Ngombeni Ward, Matuga Sub- county.
Fikirini Juma Hassan, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following his conviction by High Court Judge, Francis Andayi.
Justice Andayi found Fikirini, popularly known as County Mbili, guilty of the murder of Ali Noor, which occurred on the night of July 28, 2019, at Denyenye area of Matuga.
The accused was charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code. Principal Prosecution Counsel Vallerie Ongeti, successfully prosecuted the case, with the Court ruling that the evidence presented proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the case details, Noor and his friend had attended a music event at Bidi Badu Club in Diani on July 27, 2019. The two later left for home at around 3am on Noor’s motorcycle after dropping another companion along the way.
When they reached the Denyenye area, a group of attackers reportedly emerged and hurled stones at them, causing the motorcycle to crash. Noor’s companion escaped into nearby bushes, while Noor was cornered and fatally assaulted with stones and pangas.
He was first admitted to Manyatta Hospital in Likoni, before being transferred to Coast General Hospital, where he died on July 31, 2019.
The surviving witness later identified four men Raul Abdul Noor, Fikirini Juma Hassan, Salmin, and Fadhili as those behind the attack. Investigations led to the arrest of Fikirini and Raul, who were both positively identified, while the other two suspects are still at large.
In his ruling, Justice Andayi observed that the assailants did not take any property from the victims, dismissing robbery as a motive and concluding that the attack was deliberate and intended to kill.
The Judge concluded that the assailants had devised the plan and were all eager participants in the heinous crime.
He noted that the evidence by the prosecution was consistent and well-corroborated, describing the attack as ‘brutal and cold-blooded.’
The Judge then handed Fikirini a 25-year prison term, saying the punishment matched the gravity of the offence.
The verdict highlights the ODPP’s ongoing efforts, to secure justice for victims of violent crimes and uphold the rule of law.