Nyeri Man Porter Pleads Guilty to Murder of Seven-Year-Old Girl
A Nyeri market porter has pleaded guilty to murdering a seven-year-old girl after previously denying the charge, marking a significant development in a case before the High Court
Nicholas Julius Macharia, 39, is accused of killing Tamara Blessing, who went missing on 24 May 2025 while playing near Nyeri’s open-air market, where her mother works as a trader. The child’s body was later found hidden under a bed in Macharia’s home in the Witemere slums. CCTV footage showed Tamara walking with Macharia shortly before she disappeared.
Macharia’s plea has changed several times since the case began. When he first appeared in court in June 2025, he admitted the offence. However, Justice Magare Kizito declined to record the plea, noting that Macharia had only met his lawyer moments before the hearing and may not have fully understood the seriousness of a murder charge. The judge allowed time for further consultation to prevent future procedural challenges.
At a later appearance in July, Macharia pleaded not guilty, and the court prepared to proceed to trial. During a recent hearing, however, his lawyer, Mahugu Mbarire, asked for the charge to be read again, indicating that the accused intended to change his plea.
The prosecution, now represented by newly assigned counsel, requested a one-week adjournment to review the file and prepare a detailed summary of the evidence. The defence and members of the victim’s family did not oppose the request, and the court granted the delay.
Evidence presented to the court includes testimony from Susan Wacuka, a tea vendor near the market, who said she saw Tamara with Macharia on the evening the child disappeared. Her account was supported by police investigations, which identified Macharia as the last person seen with the girl.
The case has been closely followed in Nyeri, where residents have struggled to come to terms with the killing. Tamara’s father, Kelvin Nyaga, said after the latest hearing that the family hoped the proceedings were nearing a conclusion, describing the process as long and painful.
