On October 29, 2026, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) secured a death sentence against Duncan Livingstone Kimathi, a former student of the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa). Kimathi was found guilty of murdering his fellow student, Sarah Akello Aruwa, in a case involving abduction and a KSh 100,000 ransom demand. The sentence was handed down by Justice Kanyi Kimondo.
According to the court, Kimathi and his accomplices lured Akello before abducting her and demanding a ransom from her family. The prosecution, led by Millicent Kigira, called 17 witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction, ransom demands, and murder, securing Kimathi's conviction. The court heard that Akello was murdered between June 30 and July 1, 2012, in the Kiamako area of Githunguri, Kiambu County.
The judge concluded that Kimathi's actions were premeditated and demonstrated a clear intent to cause harm. Kimathi was sentenced to death for the murder of Akello. The case drew widespread attention due to the brutality of the crime and the fact that both the victim and the perpetrator were students at a prominent university.
The DPP's office welcomed the sentence, stating that it demonstrated the government's commitment to holding perpetrators of serious crimes accountable. The case also raised concerns about the safety of students and the need for universities to provide adequate security measures.
Kimathi's case highlights the issue of ransom demands and kidnappings in Kenya, which have become increasingly common in recent years. The authorities have been working to address the problem through increased security measures and public awareness campaigns.
The sentence handed down to Kimathi brings closure to the family of Sarah Akello Aruwa, who had been seeking justice for her murder. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in preventing and investigating crimes.
The USIU-Africa administration has reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for its students. The university has implemented various security measures, including increased surveillance and security personnel, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key points
- Duncan Livingstone Kimathi, a former USIU-Africa student, has been sentenced to death for the abduction and murder of fellow student Sarah Akello Aruwa in 2012.
- The sentence was handed down by Justice Kanyi Kimondo after the prosecution established the circumstances surrounding the abduction, ransom demands, and murder through 17 witnesses.
- The case highlights the issue of ransom demands and kidnappings in Kenya and the need for increased security measures to prevent such crimes.
