Nyeri: The mother of the slain seven-year-old Tamara Blessing has rejected an apology from the man convicted of killing her daughter on May 24, 2025. While making her oral victim impact assessment before the High Court in Nyeri, Susan Wanjiru told Justice Kizito Magare that no amount of apology or remorse from the convict would bring back her child or compensate for her loss.
According to Kenya News Agency, Susan Wanjiru expressed her deep grief and the impact of the loss on her family, highlighting how the incident has forced her and her husband to seek medical treatment and psychosocial support. She shared how her daughter’s dreams of becoming a doctor were tragically cut short.
Tamara, a Grade 1 pupil at Judah Academy, went missing on May 24 from the Nyeri open-air market. Two days later, CCTV footage revealed Nicholas Julius Macharia walking with the girl to his home. After Macharia’s arrest on May 26, detectives discovered Tamara’s lifeless body in his house. A post-mortem confirmed she had been defiled and suffocated.
Macharia initially pleaded guilty in June 2025, but Justice Kizito did not record the plea, opting for a remand period to ensure Macharia understood the legal implications. In July, Macharia denied the offence, leading to a full trial. He later changed his plea again in January 2026, admitting guilt.
During mitigation, Macharia’s counsel, Mahugu Mbarire, highlighted his client’s remorse and cooperation with investigators, arguing against a death sentence and proposing rehabilitation instead. Justice Kizito assured the victim’s family of a fair ruling, balancing the rights of both the victim and the convict.
