KIKUYU MAN residing in the United States sentenced to 26 years in prison after killing his wife in the presence of their kids

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - A Kenyan man residing in the United States has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after admitting to the murder of his wife, a serving U.S. Army soldier, in a domestic violence incident.

John Mwangi, 43, pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife, Sgt. Esther Gitau, which occurred on February 21^st at their home in Killeen, Texas, just outside the military base.

In addition to the prison sentence, a military court imposed further penalties, including a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army, demotion to the lowest rank (E-1), and loss of all pay and benefits.

Mwangi is set to serve his sentence at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.

Sgt. Gitau served as a food safety inspector with the 1st Medical Brigade and had previously been stationed at Naval Station Norfolk and Fort Knox.

Prosecutors revealed that the shooting followed a heated argument between the couple, with their two children inside the house at the time.

Prosecutors described the case as a devastating and permanent loss, noting that while the sentence cannot undo the tragedy, it ensures accountability for the crime.

Mwangi is also expected to face a separate civilian murder case in Bell County, with his next court appearance scheduled for March 20^th.

The Kenyan DAILY POST