Dr Abiriga killers plead guilty, convicted of murder
Appearing before Masindi High Court resident judge Mary Babirye, the deceased’s wife, Betty Cherotich, alongside Martin Kipsang and Joshua Namureng, admitted to killing Dr Abiriga and asked for forgiveness.
Former Masindi district health officer, Dr Jino Abiriga’s body was discovered 50 metres from his Kijura North home in Masindi district on January 7, 2024, bearing a deep neck wound and abdominal injuries. (File photo)
By Innocent Atuganyira
Journalists @New Vision
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The killers of former Masindi district health officer, Dr Jino Abiriga, have pleaded guilty to his murder and were on Thursday, September 11, convicted by the High Court in Masindi.
Appearing before Masindi High Court resident judge Mary Babirye, the deceased’s wife, Betty Cherotich, alongside Martin Kipsang and Joshua Namureng, admitted to killing Dr Abiriga and asked for forgiveness.
Masindi resident state attorney, Charlotte Naziri, told court that the injury caused to the deceased was severe and a traumatic experience for the family. She added that Dr Abiriga had been a respected health official who provided essential services to the community.
Naziri further noted that his death not only affected his family but also had a wider impact on the people of Masindi and the country at large, since he was the breadwinner responsible for paying school fees and supporting his family. She asked court to hand down a sentence that would deter similar crimes.
Defence lawyer, Harriet Ajok, asked court to consider a minimum sentence for the three convicts, arguing that they had pleaded guilty and had no previous criminal records.
In her ruling, Lady Justice Babirye adjourned the case to September 22, 2025, for judgement.
Speaking to Kabalega FM after the court session, Dr Abiriga’s elder brother, Syrus Akuma, said court should issue the minimum punishment since the convicts had admitted to the crime.
Dr Jino Abiriga’s body was discovered 50 metres from his Kijura North home in Masindi district on January 7, 2024, bearing a deep neck wound and abdominal injuries.
Investigations revealed that Cherotich’s motive stemmed from marital strife and suspicions of infidelity.
The trio struck on January 6, 2024, when Cherotich led them into the couple's room at Valentine’s Guest House, and they killed Dr Abiriga with golf clubs and a hand hoe before slitting his throat.
Police later recovered the victim’s shoes, bloodstained clothes, and a bag of evidence from guest house latrine, linking the suspects to the crime.