What Led to the Conviction of Mawanda Asuma?
The High Court in Eldoret has handed a 25-year prison sentence to 52-year-old Ugandan herbalist, Mawanda Asuma, after finding him guilty of murdering Ferdinand Ongeri, the deputy chairman of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Kisumu branch. Justice Reuben Nyakundi ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ongeri, a 40-year-old nurse stationed at the Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) dispensary in Kisumu County, went missing between July 24 and July 27, 2019. His decomposed body was later discovered in Kimondi Forest near Kapsabet town by local herdsmen.
According to court proceedings, Ongeri had last been seen after leading negotiations for better terms for nurses with the county government. His body bore signs of torture, including deep cuts on the stomach and mouth, as confirmed by Kiptuywa area Chief Emily Cherono during her testimony.
What Was the Defense Argument?
Asuma, who denied the murder charges, told the court during his defense in December 2024 that Ongeri was both his close friend and a client. He said he had been treating Ongeri with herbal remedies for obesity-related complications. However, the court rejected his claim and noted that he posed a flight risk, leading to his bail denial during the trial.
Who Testified in the Case?
The prosecution relied on testimonies from several individuals, including Ongeri’s widow, Brossy Makimtingwa Ongeri, who is also a nurse and Ugandan citizen. She recounted the panic that followed her husband’s disappearance after several failed attempts to reach him by phone.
Ongeri’s mother, Isabela Ongeri, a retired nurse, also gave an emotional testimony, recalling her last conversation with her son in which he had promised to visit her soon, a visit that never happened.
Asuma was found to have operated his herbal practice across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, raising jurisdictional concerns throughout the trial. The sentencing closes a year-long case that captured attention in both Kenya and Uganda.
By Yockshard Enyendi
