Moses Dola, a former journalist who was convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife, Sarah Wambui Kabiru, has been set free by the High Court. Dola had been sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for the killing of his wife in 2011 at their home in Umoja, Nairobi.
Initially charged with murder, Dola’s case was later reduced to manslaughter. During his trial, the court heard that he caused the death of Kabiru, a former NTV reporter, following a domestic altercation. After the incident on May 1, 2011, Dola went into hiding but later turned himself in at Naivasha Police Station three days later.
Dola had filed an application requesting the court to consider the time he had already spent in custody before his sentencing. He argued that the 23 months he spent in remand should be factored into his jail term.
In her ruling, High Court Judge Roselyn Korir acknowledged that no one could definitively determine what transpired between Dola and Kabiru on that fateful day since they were alone in their bedroom. However, she affirmed that the evidence presented in court demonstrated that Dola was responsible for Kabiru’s death.
The judge’s ruling effectively means that Dola has completed his sentence and is now a free man. His release comes amid mixed reactions from the public, with some viewing it as a fair legal outcome while others believe justice for Kabiru was not fully served.
The virtual judgment session, which is still ongoing, marks the final chapter of a high-profile case that has drawn attention for over a decade. The ruling underscores the complexities of domestic violence cases and the legal challenges in establishing intent in such circumstances.
Dola’s release raises broader discussions about Kenya’s justice system, particularly in handling cases of domestic violence and the rehabilitation of offenders. The case serves as a reminder of the tragic loss of Sarah Wambui Kabiru and the lasting impact of domestic disputes that escalate into fatal consequences.
