Fatal Borrowing: From Friend’s Phone to Death Row – A Convict’s Tale
William Makanga Musa is serving a life sentence for a crime he claims he did not commit while incarcerated in Naivasha Maximum Prison in Nakuru County, Kenya.
According to Inooro TV’s Njeraini Citu, the defendant was initially sentenced to death on July 9, 2015, but former president Uhuru Kenyatta commuted the sentence to life imprisonment.
The former boda boda driver admitted that he had no one to turn to during his most difficult time because he had lost his freedom, his dreams, and his family.
While describing the incident, he recalled that on September 9, 2013, a coworker approached him at a stage in Nakuru County and informed him that he needed to test a mobile phone before making a purchase.
Musa complied with his request and used his own SIM card to test the phone. Which powered on but required charging.
Musa went out of his way to take the phone to his sister’s store to charge it. And instructed her that his friend would pick it up later.
“A few days later, at 3:00 p.m., I was at a garage when a police car drove by and stopped. Before handcuffing me and transporting me to the nearest police station in the Gilgil constituency, they inquired about my phone, he stated.
When he inquired, he was informed that the friend’s phone was among the items stolen. From a foreigner’s home several weeks prior.
The detectives, who suspected that Musa was a member of the criminal gang. Told him that the gang had also assaulted the foreigner’s wife.
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“My friend who gave me the phone was also arrested and initially admitted to giving me the phone. “However, he later denied the allegations and stated he was arrested for a minor offense and had no connection to the case at hand,” he noted.
“Because there was no evidence pointing to him other than my word, he was acquitted, while I was charged with robbery with violence and sentenced to death,” he added.
According to the penal code. An offender is sentenced to death if he commits a robbery. While armed with a dangerous or offensive weapon or instrument. Or in the company of one or more other persons. Or if, during or immediately after the commission of the robbery. He wounds, beats, strikes, or uses any other form of personal violence.
At age 25, he was deprived of his liberty and sentenced to life behind bars. Musa indicated that he had lost contact with his family due to the deaths of his wife and child.
“I have no idea how my child is doing or where he or she is. Currently, I am serving my sentence here,” he stated.
He warned those who framed him, “If you continue to commit wrongdoing, you will end up in prison like I am.” You committed an error, and I am paying for it. You are out living your life while I am here.”
He also urged Kenyans to exercise caution when dealing with the property of others and to not blindly trust others.
Fatal Borrowing: From Friend’s Phone to Death Row – A Convict’s Tale
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