Kenyan Man Found Guilty of Murdering Partner in UK

A Kenyan man has been convicted in London of murdering his partner after an investigation uncovered a pattern of abuse within their relationship.

Alvin Gitahi, 43, of Uxbridge Road, Ealing, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of killing 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka in March 2024. He is due to be sentenced in October. Police were called to Riverside Close, Ealing, on 26 March 2024 after concerns were raised about Baraka’s safety. 

Emergency responders found her with serious injuries, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination found that Baraka died from compression to the neck. Gitahi was arrested at the scene, and detectives subsequently launched a murder investigation.

The investigation uncovered digital evidence showing that Baraka had experienced repeated abuse. Messages recovered from electronic devices documented the abuse, while phone records showed that she had contacted her mother shortly before her death to ask for help and request that emergency services be called.

Neighbours also reported hearing screams shortly before police arrived, supporting the evidence of a violent confrontation. Gitahi was formally charged in October 2025. His trial concluded this week with his conviction.

Following the verdict, Baraka’s family said they were grateful that justice had been served, although they continued to grieve her loss. They described her as a compassionate and community-minded woman whose generosity had touched many people.

“Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter,” the family said, while thanking those who had supported them throughout the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, said Baraka had suffered violence in her own home, where she should have been safe. He said the conviction could not undo her death but provided a measure of accountability.

Denby also highlighted the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. More than 23,000 officers and staff have received specialist training intended to support a trauma-informed approach to such cases.

The force said it would continue working with partner agencies to prevent violence and support victims, and urged anyone at risk of domestic abuse to seek help.