This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On June 24, 2019, a court in Kenya convicted Sergent Dismus Gitenge Motongwa of causing the death of 22-year-old Maureen Wambui Gachagua, a university student who was hit by his car in July 2018 near NextGen Mall, Mombasa Road.
According to the court, Motongwa was a dangerous driver who was overspeeding when he hit the deceased. The court also found that the accused's defense was full of lies.
As the court noted, 'No one can avoid accident, but the way one handles the case after is what matters.' The court further stated, 'The number plate had blood that was confirmed to belong to the deceased.'
Maureen Wambui Gachagua was reportedly leaving a party near Next-Gen Mall with her boyfriend when she was hit. Her brother, Nahashon Wahome, previously stated that as they were crossing the road, his sister Maureen was hit by a vehicle and it sped off.
Motongwa, who was attached to Nairobi West Prison, drove 3 kilometres with the body before dumping it in South C Estate. The number plate of the car was later found at the scene of the crime.
On July 1, 2019, Motongwa was sentenced to three years and six months in jail without an option of fine.
