Lobby happy as man gets 20 years jail term for killing 'girlfriend' in Kilifi

After 10 months of court processes, the family of Farida Kadzo can now get closure after the man who killed their daughter was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The sentencing by Lady Justice Wendy Micheni at the Mombasa High Court comes 11 months after Lewis Kazungu, 22, stabbed Kadzo, then 17, to death after an alleged disagreement on June 6, 2025.

Kazungu had been hired by Kadzo's family as a palm wine tapper.

They later developed a relationship, which later turned sour over mistrust and infidelity issues, according to Kazungu's advocate Vincent Swanya.

Kazungu had earlier pleaded not guilty to the murder charges but later entered into a plea bargain agreement with the state.

He pleaded guilty to a lesser offence of manslaughter.

Justice Micheni said the maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment, but also noted that, in the circumstances, passing the maximum sentence to an offender who has pleaded guilty will be too severe.

"However, the court is alive to the global trend of femicide cases, which is rising at an alarming rate, especially in marginalised areas like Kilifi," Lady Justice Micheni said in her ruling.

She said the matter necessitates action from legal stakeholders, including the Judiciary, to curb the social problem and protect the community from people like Kazungu.

"Given the circumstances of this case and in the interest of justice for both parties, I hereby exercise discretion and sentence the accused person to serve 20 years imprisonment," Micheni ruled.

She said the sentence commences on June 13, 2025, when Kazungu was arrested.

International Justice Mission, which has been closely following the case since the murder occurred, welcomed the ruling, saying it is an important step towards accountability for violence against women and children.

IJM noted that Kadzo's case is more saddening because she had previously sought justice and protection following violence against her by another perpetrator.

"IJM supported Farida as a survivor, working alongside authorities to help pursue justice in her defilement case," the organisation stated in a statement.

IJM said Kadzo's death highlights ongoing risks faced by survivors even after engaging the justice system.

"While this sentence is a step towards justice, it cannot restore the life lost. IJM stood with Farida in her pursuit of protection and justice, and her case underscores the urgent need to strengthen survivor protection at every stage," Aggrey Juma, IJM Kenya's manager for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

Juma said rising cases of VAWC, especially at the Coast, and particularly in Kilifi county, raise serious concerns.

He highlighted and condemned the recent murder of Baby Keziah, also in Kilifi county, which he termed as an underscore in the continued and unacceptable threat of violence against children.

"These tragic deaths reinforce the need for sustained action to prevent femicide and protect the most vulnerable," Juma said.

IJM noted that the sentencing of Kazungu sends a clear message that violence will be punished, but more must be done to ensure lasting safety for women and children.