News
Kenyan Priest Sentenced to Death For Murdering An Italian Bishop
Kenyan Roman Catholic priest and four others were sentenced to death Thursday by a court in Nairobi for murdering an elderly Italian bishop almost a decade ago.
“Catholic priest Guyo Waqo and four others have been sentenced to death for the murder of Isiolo Bishop Luigi Locati,” Kenya’s Public Prosecutions office said in a statement.
Prosecutors said the five men shot and killed 77-year-old Bishop Luigi Locati in July 2005 after a row over cash donated to the Isiolo diocese in central Kenya.
The popular Locati was slain at the church compound in Isiolo, some 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of the capital, in what prosecutors said was a power struggle for control of the diocese and its cash ahead of the bishop’s retirement.
After an eight-year trial, Father Waqo Guyo was named on Tuesday as the mastermind of the plot, having recruited Mohammed Molu Bagajo, Aden Ibrahim Mohamed, Mahati Ali Halake, and Roba Balla Bariche to carry out the killing.
Judge Fred Ochieng ruled the five were “directly involved in the planning and killing of the bishop”.
However, it is unlikely the death sentence will be carried out on the men, who all denied the murder and can still appeal the ruling.
Kenya has not carried out executions since 1987, although capital punishment is not formally abolished.
Locati, from the northern Italian province of Vercelli, was ordained a priest in 1952 and came to Kenya 10 years later. He set up the Isiolo diocese in 1963.
The murder outraged many Kenyans with hundreds — including then President Mwai Kibaki — attending his funeral in Isiolo.
A sixth man, Diga Wario, was acquitted of the murder.
“Who did this to you?” – Video of a pregnant lady flaunting her massive baby bump sparks mixed reactions online
DHQ hails Simon Ekpa’s arrest and hopes he will be extradited to Nigeria to face justice
“God is still in the business of doing wonders, please keep trusting God” – Emotional moment gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori serenades actress Dayo Amusa who gave birth to her first child at 41 years (Video)
Diddy claims prosecutors showed judge edited Cassie video to make him look dangerous
“Tinubu Has A Better Policy Document Than Peter Obi, Atiku” – Doyin Okupe says
Five soldiers k!lled, 10 wounded and four missing as Boko Haram attacks troops in Borno
Wizkid’s sister blows hot after being dragged for comparing brother to Albert Einstein
“They don’t look so happy” – Reactions trail video of Chioma and Hailey at Davido’s concert
-
Celebrity Gossip & Gist2 days agoWizkid’s sister blows hot after being dragged for comparing brother to Albert Einstein
-
Celebrity Gossip & Gist14 hours ago“They don’t look so happy” – Reactions trail video of Chioma and Hailey at Davido’s concert
-
Celebrity Gossip & Gist14 hours agoDiddy claims prosecutors showed judge edited Cassie video to make him look dangerous
-
Celebrity Gossip & Gist14 hours ago“God is still in the business of doing wonders, please keep trusting God” – Emotional moment gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori serenades actress Dayo Amusa who gave birth to her first child at 41 years (Video)