Philip Ondari Onyancha, one of Kenya’s most feared serial killers, shocked the nation with his gruesome confessions. Claiming to have been part of a blood-drinking cult, he admitted to murdering at least 17 people, mostly women, to reach 100 victims. Philip Onyancha crimes, spanning from 2008 to 2010, involved luring victims, strangling them, and in some cases, drinking their blood. This is his horrifying journey from a troubled childhood to a murderous spree and eventual arrest.
Early Life and Childhood
Philip Onyancha was born in 1978 in western Kenya, near Kericho, to Samuel and Esther Onyancha. His family owned a tea farm, and by all accounts, he was initially a bright and well-behaved student.
- Primary School: He attended Changoi Primary School, where his headmaster described him as “a well-behaved boy whose ability is above average”.
- High School: He later joined Kenyatta Mahiga High School, a prestigious institution, where he excelled academically and participated in sports. However, his behavior took a dark turn in his second year after he was accused of bullying and sodomizing a younger student. Though the accusations were never proven, his teachers noted a drastic change in his personality.
After high school, he worked odd jobs before becoming a security guard for G4S, a role that would later facilitate his crimes.
Descent into Violence
Onyancha’s life spiraled out of control in his late 20s. He claimed to hear voices urging him to kill, which he later attributed to a cult he was allegedly forced into by a teacher during his school days.
- First Known Crimes (2008): His killing spree reportedly began in 2008, targeting women in Nairobi. One of his earliest victims was Jackline Chepngetich Misoi, whose body was found hanging in her apartment. Police initially ruled it a suicide, but witnesses placed Onyancha at the scene.
- Modus Operandi: He lured victims—often sex workers or vulnerable women—by pretending to befriend them before strangling them and, in some cases, drinking their blood.
The Kidnapping and Murder of Anthony Muiruri
In 2010, Onyancha’s crimes escalated when he kidnapped and murdered a 9-year-old boy, Anthony Muiruri.
- Ransom Demand: The boy’s father paid a ransom via M-Pesa, but Anthony was already dead. Police traced the transaction to Onyancha, leading to his arrest.
- Confessions: Upon arrest, he shocked investigators by admitting to multiple murders, leading them to various crime scenes where bodies were recovered.
Arrest and Trial
Onyancha was charged with multiple counts of murder, but the legal proceedings were marred by delays and controversies.
- Acquittal in Key Case (2021): In Republic v Philip Ondara Onyancha, the High Court acquitted him due to insufficient evidence, despite his confessions.
- Conviction for Attempted Rape: He was later sentenced to 12 years for the attempted rape of an 18-year-old neighbor in 2009.
Life After Prison: A Reformed Pastor?
Shockingly, after his release, Onyancha claimed to have found religion and became a pastor. Some Kenyans expressed outrage, questioning how a self-confessed serial killer could walk free.
Conclusion
Philip Onyancha’s case remains one of Kenya’s most disturbing criminal sagas. His confessions, cult claims, and eventual acquittal raise troubling questions about justice and mental health in the legal system. Whether truly reformed or a manipulative killer, his story serves as a dark reminder of the depths of human depravity.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Early Promise, Dark Turn: A bright student turned killer, influenced by alleged cult indoctrination.
✔ Gruesome Crimes: Targeted women and children, drank victims’ blood, aimed for 100 kills.
✔ Legal Controversy: Confessed but acquitted in major cases, later jailed for attempted rape.
✔ Public Outrage: Freed and became a pastor, sparking debates on Kenya’s justice system.
For more chilling details, explore the full court documents and investigative reports linked in our sources.
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