By Murugi Ndwiga
A family in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County, has vowed to appeal what they call a “lenient” sentence handed to the man convicted of killing their 23-year-old son, James Micheni.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Embu High Court’s Honourable Justice Richard Mururu Mwongo sentenced Samuel Mugendi to 15 years in prison for the brutal murder of Micheni, an act that has left the family devastated and furious.
“We are not satisfied. This is not justice. My son’s killer deserves to rot in jail,” said an agitated Kennedy Kimathi, father of the deceased. “I’ve been attending court sessions since last year, hoping for justice. Instead, I walk out of here heartbroken.”
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Micheni was murdered on October 13, 2024, at his home, allegedly hacked to death by Mugendi, a former lover of his girlfriend. The details of the case, heard over several months, painted a picture of a vicious, premeditated attack.
Micheni’s aunt, Catherine Njoki, echoed Kimathi’s outrage, calling the 15-year sentence a slap in the face. “Mugendi chopped our boy to death. That’s not manslaughter, that’s a savage murder. We urge the government and Kenyans of goodwill to stand with us as we seek a harsher sentence.”
The family confirmed they intend to file an appeal, determined to see what they believe is true justice served.
“Micheni’s life was stolen. Fifteen years behind bars is not enough,” Kimathi said, vowing not to rest until the sentence reflects the gravity of the crime.