Nyeri: The prime suspect in the murder case of a seven-year-old girl in Witemere slum, Nyeri, has taken the High Court by surprise with a request to change his plea for the second time. The accused, Nicholas Julius Macharia, is facing charges related to the murder of Tamara Blessing Kabura on May 24, 2026. The hearing, initially set to begin with two prosecution witnesses, was halted as Macharia, through his lawyer Mahugu Mbarire, requested the court to read the charges afresh.
According to Kenya News Agency, Macharia is charged with murder under Section 203, as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, a crime carrying a maximum sentence of death. This marks the third instance of Macharia taking a plea in this case and the second recording of his plea by the court. Initially, Macharia pleaded guilty on June 12 of the previous year. However, despite a mental assessment confirming his fitness for trial, the court did not record the plea. Justice Magare Kizito remanded Macharia for 46 days, emphasizing the need for Macharia to fully understand the implications of a guilty plea.
Justice Magare explained that while Macharia had pleaded guilty, the court needed assurance of his comprehension of the legal consequences before proceeding to sentencing. When Macharia reappeared in July, he denied the charges, allowing the case to proceed to trial. The State Prosecutor, Mr. Kihara, was granted seven days to familiarize himself with the case, as it was his first time handling it.
The case is scheduled to continue on February 9, with a focus on reading the case facts and submitting sentencing arguments. Following the court proceedings, Kelvin Mutahi, the father of the deceased, expressed hope that the case’s conclusion would bring justice and aid in the healing process. “It has been a long and painful journey, and now that the matter is nearing its conclusion, we are hoping for justice to be dispensed so that we can continue with the healing process,” said Mutahi.
