The High Court in Mombasa has sentenced Lewis Kazungu Charo to 20 years in prison for the killing of 17-year-old Farida Kadzo Changawa, in a case that has renewed concerns over violence against women and children in Kilifi County.
Farida was stabbed to death on June 6, 2025, at Madina area in Kijipwa, Kilifi County.
The sentence was handed down after Charo entered a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He had initially denied charges of planning and murdering the teenager before the charge was reduced to manslaughter, which he admitted before Justice Wendy Mucheni on March 3 this year.
The court heard that Farida, a student at Ng’ombeni Secondary School, had been in a romantic relationship with the accused.
According to court proceedings, the two had supper together with Farida’s mother on the night of the incident before leaving for a private conversation, where a disagreement reportedly erupted after the teenager declined to visit Charo at his home.
During the confrontation, Charo allegedly attacked and stabbed her.
After the incident, the convict reportedly fled to Kaloleni and attempted to take his own life before being rescued by his brother, who later reported the matter at Mariakani Police Station leading to his arrest.
Charo has 14 days to appeal the sentence.
Following the ruling, International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya welcomed the sentencing, terming it a significant step towards accountability in cases of violence against women and children.
In a statement, IJM said it had supported Farida as a survivor of sexual violence before her death, working alongside authorities in pursuit of justice in an earlier defilement case.
“While this sentence is a step towards justice, it cannot restore the life lost. IJM stood with Farida in her pursuit of protection and justice, and her case underscores the urgent need to strengthen survivor protection at every stage,” said Aggrey Juma, Violence Against Women and Children Manager at IJM Kenya.
The organisation also condemned the recent murder of Baby Keziah in Kilifi County, saying the incident highlights the continued threat of violence against children.
IJM warned that the deaths of Farida and Baby Keziah demonstrate the urgent need for stronger efforts to combat femicide and protect vulnerable children and women from abuse and killings.
The organisation further called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups and communities to strengthen protection systems and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
