Kilifi mnazi tapper on trial for murder of 17-year-old lover as court hears chilling evidence

A murder trial has opened at the High Court in Mombasa over the killing of 17-year-old Farida Changawa Julius, with disturbing details emerging about the night she was allegedly attacked by her lover.

The suspect, a mnazi tapper employed by her family in Kilifi South.

Lewis Kazungu Charo, faces a charge of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.

The incident occurred on 6 June 2025 at Mferejini Village in Kijipwa, a community still reeling from the violent death of the young mother.

Lady Justice Wendi Kagendo Micheni has fast-tracked the trial as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, emphasising the need for urgent justice in cases involving violence against young women and girls.

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The High Court in Mombasa on Tuesday opened a sombre, week-long hearing into the case… pic.twitter.com/A8lWijWqeq

— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) November 26, 2025

The court heard emotional testimony from the first witness, the victim’s aunt, Umazi Wambua Kitheka. 

She told the court that Farida, who was caring for her nine-month-old son, had cooked supper around 5PM when Charo arrived uninvited. 

The two spoke privately within the homestead before returning to share a meal with the family.

“They went a few metres from where we were seated. We could still see them because the lights were on,” Umazi told the court.

Farida later said she was stepping out briefly to pick her phone from a nearby shop. Although the pair walked out separately, they met again at the gate. 

Twenty minutes later, a piercing scream sent family members running. 

Umazi and Farida’s cousin, Lamick Baraka, found the teenager lying near the kitchen with deep injuries.

In court, Umazi wept as crime scene photographs were shown. She described the injuries as savage, saying Farida’s neck appeared to have been attacked with extreme force. 

She also noted a cut on her shoulder and wounds on her fingers, which she believed were from trying to defend herself.

The prosecution told the court that Farida and Charo had been in a relationship marked by jealousy and tension. 

Assistant Chief Henry Kilumo Randu of Makomboani Sub-Location testified that he received a distress call at about 3am from a man reporting that his cousin had killed his partner after a dispute. 

Later that morning, he found Charo in the family farm in a distressed state, drenched from spending the night in the rain. 

Relatives managed to calm him, believing he was attempting to harm himself. He later surrendered to police.

The hearing continues today.