A Decade in Shadows: Convicts in Muchai Case Plead for Redemption

One of the Convicts in the robbery with violence case that intertwines cold-blood murder of former Kabete MP George Muchai has pleaded with the court for another chance, saying he has already changed over the last 11 years he has been in remand.

In his mitigation, Eric Munyera Isabwa told Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina that the 11 years he has been behind bars have reformed him, and he would appreciate it if he were given another chance to reunite with his family.

“Your honour, I don’t have silver, gold, or bronze, but I believe in the scripture in the book of Psalms 118:17 that I will not die; instead, I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done,” Isabwa pleaded the court.

While pleading for mercy, he told the Magistrate that he would wish to see his children and wife, whom he had never seen during the whole period he had stayed in prison.

“Your honour, I left a seven-year-old child when I was arrested, and I have never seen him. My mother died while I was in prison, and I did not attend her burial. I ask for leniency and urge this court to consider a non-custodial sentence,” he prayed.

He presented before the court a bunch of certificates awarded  in different courses studied in prison as proof of his commitment.

His co-accused, Stephen Astiva, pleaded with the court for another chance, stating that he has proved he has changed his behaviour. However, he insists that he was not involved in the said offence of robbery with violence, but the law caught him off guard, and he failed to defend himself.

He produced before the court a recommendation letter from the officer in charge of the rehabilitation facility, stating that he should maintain good behaviour.

‘Your honour, I am in charge of other prisoners, and I have maintained good behaviour. Moreover, I have studied different courses while in prison,” he told the Magistrate.

He referred to the scripture in the book of Luke:15-32 about the prodigal son who wasted his inheritance, and when he went back to his father, he was accepted and celebrated.

“Like the prodigal son, I strayed, but now I pray you to give me another chance since I am a first-time offender,” he prayed.

He denied the submission by the prosecution, stating that he is a man of bad behaviour even in court, and he has a previous criminal record.

Jane Wanjiru and Margaret Njeri also pleaded for leniency, citing that they are mothers of minors and they would like to reunite with them after 11 years they had been behind bars.

Raphael Kimani and Mustapha Kimani will give a mitigation on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The four Eric Munyera Isabwa, alias Chairman, Raphael Kimani Gachii, alias Kim Butcher, Mustafa Kimani Anyoni, alias Musto, and Stephen Asitiva were convicted last week by the same court of robbery with violence, and one, Simon Wambugu Gichamba, was acquitted.

The court convicted Njeri and Wnjiru of the offences of having a G3 rifle and seven rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and owning stolen properties, respectively.

They were charged with robbing the two sisters on that fateful night when the former legislature was killed.