A Nyeri Court has sentenced Billington Wambui Mwathi, the killer of Sheila Lumumba, to 30 years in prison.
Sheila Lumumba was a Kenyan hotel worker and non-binary lesbian who was found killed on 17 April 2022.
A postmortem report conducted the next day at Karatina SubCounty Hospital and seen by Human Rights Watch revealed that Lumumba was sexually assaulted, hit on the head with a blunt object, and stabbed in the chest, face, neck, and eyes.
The suspect was charged with the aggravated assault and murder of the 25-year-old.
A second person - a woman- was also arrested but not charged. Sheila's family claimed she was allegedly found selling items that belonged to Sheila.
The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), in their X account said they felt the sentence lenient sending a concerning message on the value placed on LGBTQ.
"While we respect the judicial process we cannot help but feel this sentence does not adequately reflect the gravity of Mwathis actions or the irreparable loss experienced by Sheila's family and the community. Today's sentencing in Sheila Lumumba case is a stark reminder of the struggles facing the LGBTIQ+ community. Our fight for justice and equality continues."
