A High Court judge presiding over a murder trial has spoken about the emotional burden faced by judicial officers, saying such cases require inner balance and reliance on God’s grace due to the disturbing nature of evidence presented in court.
High Court Judge Diana Kavedza made the remarks while addressing the court during the ongoing murder trial of Multimedia University (MMU) student Sylvia Kemunto. She noted that judges and court officials are routinely exposed to graphic images and death, likening their work to that of pathologists who confront such realities daily.
“We see photos, we confront death every day,” Judge Kavedza said, emphasizing that emotional control is critical to the delivery of justice. She added that despite the weight of murder cases, order and composure must be maintained in the courtroom.
“The court must contain the emotions; that is its work,” she said before directing that the hearing proceed.
Emotional Testimony in Court
The remarks came as the Kibera Law Courts were overcome with emotion during testimony by Kemunto’s mother, Triza Kwamboka. The court fell silent as she broke down while recounting the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s disappearance and death.
At several moments, Kwamboka struggled to continue, pausing to breathe and sip water. Judge Kavedza intervened to give her time to compose herself.
“Breathe in, sip water, breathe out, endelea,” the judge advised gently.
Disappearance and Discovery
Kemunto, who was pursuing Mass Communication and Computer Science at MMU, went missing on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Her body was later discovered on Wednesday night in a water tank on the rooftop of a hostel located within the university compound.
In her testimony, Kwamboka told the court that she became alarmed after failing to reach her daughter several days after sending her upkeep money. She said the funds were sent through the phone of a church elder, a method she had used before, but her attempts to confirm receipt were unsuccessful.
Concerned, she travelled to the university and later reported the matter to a nearby police station.
Suspicion Around the Accused
Kwamboka further testified that during police efforts to trace Kemunto, the accused person allegedly fled upon spotting officers, raising suspicion over his possible involvement in the case.
During cross-examination, the court heard that Kwamboka raised her daughter as a single parent and earns a living by selling vegetables. She said she relied on the support of friends to educate her daughter.
She added that Kemunto scored an A-minus in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and initially hoped to pursue medicine at the University of Nairobi. However, financial constraints forced her to take a different academic path.
The hearing is ongoing.
