The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) presented CCTV footage in Eldoret High Court as evidence in a murder case involving two lawyers. Inspector Daniel Kieny, a cybercrime specialist from the DCI headquarters in Nairobi, detailed how the footage captured the events leading to the fatal stabbing of advocate Calvin Ngaira by his colleague, Abel Mogaka, during a house party.
Reconstruction of the Fatal Party
The incident occurred during a three-day house party organized by a lawyer in Eldoret at an apartment in the Annex area along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway. Over 10 friends attended, including the accused, Mogaka, and the victim, Ngaira.
Inspector Kieny explained to presiding judge Robert Wananda that the party, which started on a lively note, ended in tragedy. The footage shows a cordial interaction between the accused and the victim, as they walked outside the apartment before returning to the gathering.
Moments later, Mogaka is seen leaving the apartment holding a glass, followed by Ngaira. An argument escalated, culminating in Mogaka stabbing Ngaira in the neck with a broken bottle.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
Ngaira, who had only been practicing law in Eldoret for three months, sustained critical injuries. Friends rushed him to Mediheal Hospital, but he succumbed to his wounds on May 18, 2019.
The chilling footage corroborates the timeline and sequence of events provided by the prosecution. Kieny emphasized how the footage supports the claim that the stabbing occurred during the altercation outside the apartment.
Prosecution Seeks Further Clarity
The prosecution, led by counsel Brenda Oduo, filed a request to recall the first witness, Edith Chebet, to provide additional insights into the events leading to the fatal confrontation.
The court adjourned the hearing, setting the next session for March 9, 2025.
Justice for a Young Lawyer’s Life
Ngaira’s untimely death has cast a shadow over the legal fraternity in Eldoret, sparking calls for accountability. The ongoing trial is expected to provide justice for the victim while setting a precedent for addressing violent incidents among professionals.
