A court sitting in Kithimani, Machakos County, has sentenced a man to death after finding him guilty of robbery with violence against the mother of former Yatta Member of Parliament Charles Kilonzo.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, November 13, found that the accused violently attacked the elderly woman, stole her mobile phone valued at Ksh15,000, an unspecified amount of cash, and inflicted serious injuries using a panga.
According to court records, the incident occurred on December 8, 2023, at Ndarani area in Yatta Sub-County, when the assailant tied up the victim with ropes, leaving her helpless inside her home before she was later rescued by neighbours.
The court described the attack as “vicious and heartless,” noting that it left the victim unable to speak due to the trauma and injuries sustained.
Under Section 296(2) of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya), robbery with violence attracts the mandatory death sentence, although in some cases, courts may impose life imprisonment or a long-term custodial sentence depending on the circumstances.
About Charles Kilonzo
Charles Kilonzo first served as Yatta MP after being elected in the 2002 General Election and was re-elected in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
He later reclaimed his seat in 2017 as an independent candidate, defeating then-incumbent Francis Mwangangi, who currently serves as Machakos Deputy Governor.
Although he expressed interest in the Machakos Senatorial race ahead of the 2022 elections, Kilonzo ultimately did not vie.
In 2024, the former MP made headlines after one of his properties — a five-bedroom townhouse at Northwood Villas, Miotoni Lane in Karen, Nairobi — was listed for auction due to a financial dispute.
The property sits on a freehold title and is connected to key amenities, including water and electricity.