Chang’aa brewer to hang for causing death

An illicit brew producer has been handed a death sentence for intentionally selling poisonous chang’aa which led to death of five people and caused disability to many others.

Jenifer Wanjiru, alias Mama Flora aka Mama Mwangi aka Mama Kabiri, is alleged to have murdered Festus David Nzuki, David Karanja Nduati, Samuel Waweru Wanjiku, Julius Kariuki Mwangi and Jane Wambua Kamau.

She committed the offence on 11th September 2011 at Gitambaya village in Ruiru District within Kiambu County.

The woman was convicted with eight counts of murder for selling ethanol, which level was lethal to her customers. She was, however, found guilty of five out of the eight.

In her mitigation, she said that she was sorry for her act, pleaded with court to forgive her as she is a first offender, sickly, soul bread winner and the period she was in custody is enough to pay for her evil doing.

In Convicting her, High Court Judge Jessie Lessit, said she had noted and considered the mitigation but maintained that the accused was totally aware that the alcohol she sold to unsuspecting customers would end their lives and would have negative effects in their health, causing many others to be admitted in hospital and damage to their lives.

She noted that the only sentence which is prescribed to murder is death.

The Court has allowed the woman 14 days to appeal the decision if she is not satisfied with the judgement.