Major convicted of killing two children, their mother

The High Court in Nyeri has convicted a former military officer of murdering his two young children and their mother after finding that the Prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Peter Mwaura Mugure was found guilty on three counts of murder over the killings committed in October 2019. 

The ODPP said Mugure, who held the rank of Major and was formerly stationed at the Laikipia Air Base, had been charged with the murders of his two children and their mother. 

During the trial, the Prosecution presented evidence that the court found established that the killings had been planned in advance. 

"The Prosecution team, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Jennifer Kaniu and Principal Prosecution Counsel Pithon Mwangi, told the court that Mugure lured his family to the airbase on October 25, 2019, under the pretext of a family visit," ODPP said. 

The court heard evidence that on the morning of October 26, 2019, Mugure took the children out, purportedly to show them around the grounds, before killing them.

The Prosecution further told the court that later that evening, he killed their mother. 

According to evidence adduced during the trial, the victims' bodies were concealed in the boot of the accused's vehicle before being removed from the airbase and disposed of at a remote location. 

The Prosecution also presented witness testimony indicating that the accused had visited the burial site three days before the killings and arranged for a shallow grave to be dug. 

The ODPP said this evidence demonstrated premeditation and a deliberate plan to kill his family. 

In its judgment, the High Court held that the Prosecution had presented "cogent, credible and consistent evidence" that "irresistibly pointed to the accused's guilt."

The court consequently convicted Mugure on all three counts of murder. 

Sentencing has been scheduled for July 14, 2026.