“I’m sorry. I regret my actions,” says man convicted of killing his wife over joining Instagram

The High Court in Mombasa is weighing a plea for leniency from Murad Awadh Mbarak, a truck driver convicted of murdering his wife, as prosecutors argue for the maximum sentence ahead of sentencing expected next month.

Mbarak, 40, was found guilty of killing his wife, Nuru Ibrahim, in June 2022 following prolonged domestic conflict, including a dispute over her decision to join Instagram against his wishes.

Appearing before the court on January 27, 2026, Mbarak said four years in custody had changed him and that he was remorseful. He told the court that he had no family or home to return to and asked for a reduced sentence or release.

“Spending four years in prison has been a great lesson for me, and I ask for forgiveness for my sins,” he said, adding: “I’m sorry. I regret my actions.”

The prosecution opposed any leniency, describing the killing as deliberate and exceptionally violent. Prosecutors said Ibrahim, a mother of six, was stabbed multiple times in an attack that occurred in front of her children and neighbours.

The court heard that Mbarak blocked neighbours from intervening during the assault and that one person was injured while trying to gain entry into the house.

Evidence showed that Ibrahim was killed on June 19, 2022, at the family home in Kanamai, Kilifi County. Testimony revealed that the marriage had been strained by financial disputes and persistent conflict.

Ibrahim had sold her jewellery to help finance the construction of their home, which was later registered in her husband’s name. Disagreements over a debt involving her brother further worsened relations.

Witnesses said tensions escalated after Ibrahim joined Instagram, which her husband strongly opposed. Family members testified that she had expressed fear for her safety and had discussed leaving the marriage.

Days before her death, Ibrahim reportedly left personal documents and belongings with her sister, indicating plans to separate. The court also heard that Mbarak had threatened to kill her or release intimate photographs if she attempted to leave.

On the night of the attack, the couple’s 11-year-old daughter testified that she was woken by her mother’s screams and saw her father assault her with a broken piece of wood before stabbing her. Neighbours who responded said they were prevented from entering the house.

Mbarak later surrendered to police. Forensic evidence showed that blood found on his clothes and on a knife matched the victim. His claim that an intruder carried out the attack was rejected.

In a judgment delivered in November, the court ruled that the prosecution had proved all elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt, finding that the killing was planned and intentional. Ten witnesses, including relatives and neighbours, testified during the trial, describing a relationship marked by repeated disputes and threats that required family intervention.