Nyeri Man to Hang for Defiling, Killing 7-Year-Old Tamara Kabura
NYERI, Kenya — The High Court in Nyeri has sentenced Nicholas Julius Macharia (35) to death for defiling and murdering a seven-year-old girl, then burying her body under his bed.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Justice Magare Kizito called the case one of the most horrendous and cold-blooded crimes the court has handled. He said the convict showed no remorse.
Girl Vanished While Running Errand
Prosecutors told the court that the crime happened on May 24, 2025. Macharia, a porter in Nyeri town, allegedly lured Tamara Blessing Kabura from a local market in Witemere slums.
Tamara, a Grade 1 pupil, had gone to buy milk for her mother. She met Macharia, a man known to the family.
CCTV footage shown in court captured Tamara walking with Macharia toward his rented house. Investigators said he later defiled her, strangled her, and killed her inside the room.
Macharia then dug a shallow grave in the house, buried the child under his bed, and covered the spot with a carpet.
Police Tracked Him Using CCTV
Tamara’s family reported her missing soon after she disappeared. Detectives reviewed CCTV footage and traced Macharia. Police arrested him and he led officers to the grave.
Macharia pleaded guilty. He asked the court for a lighter sentence and claimed evil spirits influenced him. Justice Kizito rejected the argument and ruled that Macharia planned the crime.
“The accused abused a position of trust,” the judge said. “A child should feel safe with people she knows.”
Court Gives 30 Days to Appeal
Kenya has not carried out executions in decades, but the death penalty remains legal for murder. Justice Kizito said the brutality of the crime justified the maximum punishment.
The court gave Macharia 30 days to appeal.
Outside the courtroom, Tamara’s relatives said the ruling brought some relief, even though it could not bring her back.
