A family in Nyeri County has been left devastated after five of its members were handed lengthy prison terms, totaling 100 years, following a violent bar altercation that spiraled out of control.
The convicts — 60-year-old John Ritho Kihoi, his three sons, and his son-in-law — were each sentenced to 20 years for causing grievous harm to a fellow villager.
The incident traces back to a night at a local bar when Kihoi, in a gesture of generosity, bought drinks for another man and his wife. Instead of appreciation, the move triggered anger in the man, who took issue with his wife being included. A heated argument ensued, escalating into a violent confrontation in which stones were thrown.
Kihoi, who admits he was drunk that night, says his memory of the events remains hazy. Still, a year later, he and his relatives were arrested, accused of assault, and dragged to court.
Despite Kihoi’s insistence that his sons were not even present during the fight, the court convicted all five men. Their appeals fell flat, leaving the ruling intact.
The judgment has ripped apart the family’s foundation, leaving behind women and children who depended heavily on the men as breadwinners.
In a tearful moment after sentencing, one of Kihoi’s sons turned to his wife, urging her to remain strong and raise their children until his release in 2037.
While Kihoi maintains his sons are innocent, his words have done little to change the course of justice. The family must now grapple with the painful reality of separation, economic hardship, and a future clouded by despair.
