A High Court in Kakamega has delivered a heartbreaking verdict in one of the county’s most disturbing murder cases, finding a nurse guilty of killing her own two children in a tragedy that shocked the nation.
Justice Stephen Mbungi ruled that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Ferine Maero murdered her two sons, nine-year-old Winston Limusi and seven-year-old Mayson Mito, by manually strangling them on March 6, 2022, at their home in Mwiyala Estate, Kakamega.
The emotional judgment brought to a close a case that has taken years to conclude, leaving many Kenyans asking how a mother could allegedly turn against the very children she was expected to protect.
In his ruling, Justice Mbungi said the medical evidence presented before the court was overwhelming. He noted that post-mortem examinations conducted by Dr. Dickson Muchana established that both boys died from asphyxia caused by manual strangulation, eliminating the possibility of accidental death or natural causes.
The court further observed that Maero was the last adult seen with the children before they were found dead. Investigators also found no evidence suggesting that an outsider had entered the house, strengthening the prosecution’s case.
Another key piece of evidence was the injury Maero sustained on her neck. Medical experts testified that the wound was consistent with an apparent suicide attempt after the deaths of the children. The judge noted that this evidence formed part of the chain of circumstances linking her to the killings.
The shocking incident first came to light when a watchman on duty reportedly told investigators that Maero had called her estranged husband, asking him to come and collect the bodies of their children. The call stunned the father and triggered a police response that led to the gruesome discovery.
Following the incident, Maero was rushed to Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she remained unconscious for several days before regaining consciousness. She was later charged with two counts of murder.
Throughout the lengthy court proceedings, the nurse repeatedly sought to have the case heard more quickly, citing delays caused by witnesses. She also applied for bond, but prosecutors successfully opposed the request, arguing that she posed a flight risk.
The case attracted widespread public attention, not only because of its horrifying nature but also because Maero had occasionally appeared composed during court sessions while maintaining her innocence.
With the court now finding her guilty, attention shifts to sentencing, where she is expected to learn the punishment she will face for the deaths of her two young sons.
The verdict has sparked emotional reactions across the country, with many expressing sympathy for the innocent children whose lives ended far too soon, while others reflected on the importance of addressing mental health struggles before they escalate into tragedy. At the same time, many have welcomed the court’s decision, saying it demonstrates that justice can prevail even after years of legal proceedings.
Imaginary reactions from Kenyans
- Mary N.: “Those innocent boys deserved a chance to grow up. This verdict is heartbreaking but necessary.”
- Kevin O.: “No child should lose their life in such a painful way. May they continue resting in peace.”
- Faith W.: “This case reminds us that family conflicts and mental health challenges should never be ignored.”
- Brian K.: “Justice may have taken years, but the families finally have some closure.”
- Susan A.: “My thoughts are with the children’s father and relatives who have lived with this pain since 2022.”
