A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the killing of 17-year-old Farida Kadzo Changawa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 14, the International Justice Mission (IJM) welcomed the ruling, terming it a major milestone in the fight for justice for victims of violence against women and children.
Farida, a teenage mother and survivor of sexual violence, was killed on June 6, 2025, in Kijipwa village in Kilifi County.
22-year-old jailed 20 years for killing teen Farida Kadzo Changawa. Photo: Courtesy.
According to IJM, the organisation had been supporting the teenager in her pursuit of justice in a separate defilement case before her death.
The case was initially handled as a murder trial before it was later reduced to manslaughter after plea bargain discussions initiated by the defence.
The accused later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge on March 3, 2026.
According to IJM, the case took nearly 11 months to conclude and was marked by multiple adjournments and court appearances before judgment was delivered.
The organisation noted that the outcome highlights both the progress made in promoting accountability and the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of violence in accessing justice.
IJM further stated that although the sentence marked a significant step toward justice, Farida’s death underscored the urgent need to strengthen protection measures for survivors at every stage of the justice process.
