Evans Karani Who Confessed to Killing Estranged Lover Makes U-turn, Pleads Not Guilty

Evans Karani, the 38-year-old Kiambu businessman who previously confessed to killing his estranged lover Catherine Nyokabi, has made a U-turn.

Appearing before Kiambu Chief Magistrate Mary Kasango on Wednesday, Karani pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 25-year-old hotel worker.

During his appearance in court on April 19th, the accused asked the magistrate to expedite his trial, so that he can start serving his sentence.

A mental examination conducted at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital last week confirmed that Karani is fit to stand trial. He will remain in remand pending the outcome of his bail application.

The lifeless body of Catherine was found inside Karani’s abandoned car in Tola estate in Juja on April 14th.

An autopsy carried out on the deceased’s body revealed that she died of blunt force trauma.

The suspect had allegedly confessed to homicide detectives that he single-handedly murdered Catherine and does not regret his action.

Karani, who is married and has five kids, said he was aggrieved by the deceased’s decision to leave him for another man, adding that he loved her so much.

On the fateful day, he reportedly invited Catherine for drinks as they solved their differences. They spent part of the evening drinking in his car and when she became intoxicated, he strangled her with his belt.

He then drove to Tola Estate to dispose of the body but his car got stuck in mud near the Bob Harris area, where he abandoned the car and the body. 

Catherine’s father Gitonga Njogu said his daughter had already introduced Karani to the family but they disapproved of the relationship after learning that the man was married and has five children.

"He came to my home many times and we even know his car. He even visited the deceased's grandmother. When we saw his true standing, Nyokabi had reservations about getting married to him,” said Njogu.

"When she tried to leave him, he just kept following her. It seems he committed the act because he had been rejected."