The Garissa High Court has sentenced Antony Murithi Nyaga to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his employer, Hassan Salat Mohamed, in May 2023. The verdict, delivered by Justice John Onyiego, highlighted the gravity of the crime, the lack of remorse shown by the accused, and the betrayal of trust that led to the tragic incident.
Nyaga, who had worked for Mohamed for nine years at a quarry-mining site in Mandera County, turned on his employer after the government banned quarrying activities due to insecurity caused by Al-Shabaab terrorists. Instead of accepting his employer’s offer to take leave until the ban was lifted, Nyaga attacked Mohamed, fatally striking him on the head. He then buried the body in a shallow grave and fled to his home county, Embu, where he was later arrested.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 11 witnesses, painting a grim picture of the crime. Justice Onyiego noted the brutality of the murder, describing it as “inhuman” and emphasizing that Nyaga had abused the trust placed in him by his employer. The judge also pointed out that the accused showed no remorse for his actions, further justifying the lengthy sentence.
The deceased’s family, while relieved that justice had been served, expressed mixed emotions. Abdirizack Salat, a niece of the victim, stated that the family had hoped for a harsher penalty, such as a 50-year or life sentence. She also vowed to challenge any attempts by Nyaga to appeal the ruling, underscoring the family’s ongoing struggle to cope with the loss.
Sumeya Hassan Salat, the daughter of the deceased, shared her heartbreak, revealing that the past two years had been filled with immense suffering and mental anguish. “We will never have our father back,” she said, fighting back tears, “but we take solace in the fact that justice has been served.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of betrayal and violence, while also highlighting the resilience of a family seeking closure and justice in the face of unimaginable loss.
