Court Sentences Man to Death for Violent Attack on Former MP Charles Kilonzo’s Mother
A man has been sentenced to death after he was found guilty of attacking and robbing the mother of former Yatta Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Kilonzo in a brutal incident that shocked the local community.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, November 13, by a court sitting in Kithimani. The accused was convicted of robbery with violence, one of the most serious criminal offenses under Kenyan law.
The court heard that the man stormed into the elderly woman’s home, assaulted her, and stole her mobile phone worth about Ksh15,000, along with an unknown amount of cash.
According to court records, the violent attack took place on December 8, 2023, in Ndarani area, Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County.
The assailant reportedly tied up the elderly woman using ropes, struck her on the head with a panga, and left her bleeding and helpless inside her house. She was later rescued by neighbors who rushed her to safety.
During sentencing, the court noted that the assault was so cruel and ruthless that it left the victim unable to speak. The judge described the incident as an “inhuman and heartless act” that caused lasting physical and emotional harm to the former MP’s mother.
Under Section 296(2) of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya), robbery with violence carries a mandatory death penalty.
However, depending on the circumstances, some offenders may receive alternative sentences such as life imprisonment or lengthy jail terms. In this case, the court concluded that the brutality of the attack justified the maximum penalty.
About Charles Kilonzo
Charles Kilonzo first entered politics in 2002 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Yatta Constituency. He retained his seat in 2007 after winning again on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. However, in the 2013 General Election, he lost the seat to Francis Mwangangi, who is currently serving as the Deputy Governor of Machakos County.
In 2017, Kilonzo made a political comeback by contesting as an independent candidate and successfully reclaimed his Yatta parliamentary seat by defeating Mwangangi. His win was later challenged in court, but the court upheld his victory, confirming him as the duly elected MP.
Before the 2022 General Election, Kilonzo announced that he would not seek re-election for the Yatta seat. Instead, he expressed interest in running for the Machakos Senatorial seat, although that plan did not materialize.
Since stepping back from active politics after 2022, Kilonzo has largely maintained a low profile. However, he resurfaced in the news in 2024 when one of his high-end properties was listed for auction.
The property in question is a five-bedroomed, all-ensuite townhouse with servants’ quarters, located within Northwood Villas on Miotoni Lane in Karen, Nairobi County — just about 500 meters west of West Nairobi School.
According to the auctioneers, the home sits on freehold land and is connected to essential amenities such as water and electricity. The property is considered one of the more prime residential assets in the Karen area, making its auction a topic of public interest.
This tragic case not only highlights the painful ordeal suffered by the former MP’s family but also underscores the continued efforts by Kenyan courts to deliver justice for victims of violent crimes.
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