Five years ago, a member of an armed robbery gang broke protocol when he fell in love with one of his victims, resulting in a failed heist in Bahati, Nakuru County.
Based on testimony and the judge’s investigation, it was determined that one of the three convicted of a robbery with violence, Kevin Matundura, had formed romantic affections for one of the victims during the 8 hours they terrorized the family.
Matundura’s personal attachment to the victim, a domestic worker in the house under siege, ultimately cost him and his gang members their lives.
On the night of March 14, 2017, Matundura and his gang of four committed a heist in one of the estates in Bahati.
Their target was Mr. James Wamugunda, a farmer and businessman who kept a posho mill on the premises of his home.
The armed thieves broke into Mr. Wamugunda’s house at around 9 o’clock at night.
Two gang members entered the Posho mill through the front entrance, where Mr. Wamugunda was reviewing his workers’ day reports, while the other two entered the house through the back.
Matundura and his accomplice Joram Njoroge Wainaina alias Titus forced Mr. Wamugunda and his staff to the ground while brandishing handguns and an AK-47. Before Njoroge put on the employee dust coat and led them to the main house, the staff members emptied their pockets, taking money and phones.
The two other thieves had already forced the residents of the main house, including Mr. Wamugunda’s wife and the housemaid, to submit on the floor. They subsequently retrieved their mobile devices.
Matundura’s attention was diverted away from the robbery as soon as he laid eyes on the house girl.
While the rest of the gang members were beating up the victims and ransacking the house, Matundura was busy reassuring the woman that she was secure.
After a lengthy conversation, he asked the woman for her contact information.
Matundura had fallen head over heels for the housekeeper by the time the burglars fled the next morning at 5 o’clock.
Matundura appears to have been extremely irritated by Njoroge’s sexual assault of the woman, since he believed it was ruining his chances of capturing the woman’s heart.
According to the woman’s courtroom testimony, Njoroge brought her to the staff bathroom and sexually attacked her there. In the morning, the burglars had just finished loading up Mr. Wamugunda’s car with loot before making their getaway.
Matundura contacted the victim the next day to express regret for the gang’s actions and reveal the location where the stolen car had been abandoned.
He kept trying to tell the girl how he felt, and he even suggested they get together. Following police advice, the woman made the agreement.
She proceeded to the Choices hotel in the Mchanganyiko trading center in the Bahati sub county, where he was supposed to meet her, accompanied by detectives.
Matundura admitted his involvement in the crime and led authorities to the farm where the weapons and ammo had been hidden.
Njoroge’s aunt Josephine Waihini hosted the gathering. Some of the stolen items had been brought inside the residence by Njoroge as well.
Matundura, Njoroge, and Waihini, Matundura’s aunt, were all arrested and brought before the judge.
Six charges including robbery with violence, handling stolen items, gang rape, and handgun and ammunition possession were brought against the three.
The total value of the stolen items is Sh102,000, and it includes a sewing motor machine, 10 bags of maize, mobile phones, and a wide variety of clothing, footwear, and currency.
The witnesses were able to positively identify Matundura.
“One of the attackers stood out; he had an AK-47 and was there to help her and reassure her that everything would be well. She reported the attacker was short, black, and emaciated. The first suspect (Matundura) was named by her. Read the ruling handed down by Chief Magistrate Yvonne Khatambi.
After a trial, he was convicted guilty of armed robbery and illegal gun possession.
Alternatively, Njoroge was convicted guilty of robbery with violence and rape.
However, the court found that Ms. Waihini did not know her nephew was a criminal and that she did not take part in the heist, thus she was cleared of all charges.
On January 23 they will hand down sentences to Matundura and Njoroge.
