A Machakos University student, Fredrick Mwonjoria, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the brutal murder of a 15-year-old girl in Naivasha five years ago.

High Court Judge Grace Nzioka delivered the ruling, stating that the evidence against the 22-year-old was overwhelming and that his actions were driven by malice. At the time of the crime, Mwonjoria was a 17-year-old student at Nanyuki High School.

The victim, Valerian Njeri, was his neighbor in Mirera Estate, a community largely inhabited by flower farm workers. On November 28, 2019, Mwonjoria lured Njeri into his home, where he attacked her with a knife, stabbing her 12 times. Her body was later discovered outside his gate, with a trail of blood leading back to his room. Inside, investigators found the murder weapon and blood-stained clothes, further sealing the case against him.

Although Mwonjoria was legally a minor at the time of the murder, the judge emphasized the gravity of his actions. She noted that after committing the crime, he hid the girl's body under his bed and later had dinner with his family as if nothing had happened—a chilling detail that pointed to a disturbing level of composure.

Judge Nzioka explained that while life or death sentences were not considered due to his age at the time, a custodial sentence was necessary given the sheer brutality of the crime. She also acknowledged the defense’s request for leniency but concluded that justice for the victim required firm action.

Despite the lengthy sentence, the judge reminded Mwonjoria that he could still pursue his education while behind bars, highlighting that many inmates have managed to turn their lives around while incarcerated.

For Njeri’s family, the verdict brings some closure but does little to heal the pain of the past five years. Her father, John Ndunu, spoke of the immense emotional, spiritual, and financial toll the long wait for justice has taken on them.