I didn't intend to kill her, murder suspect tells court

A security guard accused of murder on Monday told a court that he did not intend to kill a human rights activist from Isiolo.

Patrick Naweet, who is accused of killing Elizabeth Ekaru, said he stabbed the activist on January 3, 2022, in self defence.

The two were relatives and neighbours.

Naweet told Judge Edward Murithi that he and the deceased had attended the burial of their neighbour. 

“We did not have any quarrel. However, a week ago, I had reported the case to the area chief after Ekaru extended her fence to my farm. After the burial she came and greeted me and told me to show her where she had extended the boundary,” Naweet said.

They went to the fence in question and a brief exchange of words ensued, the Meru High court heard.

He said the accused slapped him and he responded by hitting her with a stick.

 “We wrestled each other to the ground and the deceased sat on top of me and hit me with a stone. On seeing that my life was in danger, I took out a knife and stabbed her in the thigh. She then held the knife which cut her hands,” Naweet said. 

Ekaru screamed, attracting the attention of residents.

“I started running and they chased me and caught up with me. They beat me up and I was even lucky to escape. I would have died.” 

He was later apprehended and taken to police custody, Naweet who was represented by lawyer Hillary Mugambi Sande, told the court.

But when questioned by State prosecutor Erick Masala, Naweet was at pains to explain the extent of his injuries or how long he stayed at the hospital.

Masala also asked the suspect why he did not run instead of engaging Ekaru.

“You were in an open space you would have run to avoid a fight and the deceased would not have died,” the prosecutor posed.

Masala also questioned why Naweet did not report to the police that he was beaten by a mob.

“The mob concentrated on beating me instead of taking the deceased to the hospital. She would not have died if she was rushed to a health facility,” Naweet responded.

He asked the court for leniency as he was a first-time offender.