Thomas P. G. Cholmondeley

Thomas Patrick Gilbert Cholmondeley (born 19 June 1968) is a Kenyan farmer of British ancestry. He is most famous for his controversial release from a murder charge.

Biography

The Honourable Thomas P. G. Cholmondeley was educated at Eton College. His family is one of the largest landowners in Kenya. He is a great-grandson of the 3rd Baron Delamere (1870-1931), a pioneering settler in Kenya. He is the only son and heir of the Rt. Hon. Hugh George Cholmondeley, 5th Baron Delamere (b. 1934) and his wife Lady Anne née Renison.

Cholmondeley shot Kenya Wildlife Service game ranger Samson ole Sisina on 19 April 2005 at his ranch in Gilgil division, Nakuru District. Cholmondeley admitted the shooting, but insisted it was self-defense as the ranger had shot at him first without warning when Ch. arrived, after the employees had summoned his help, during what was or seemed to be a robbery, as the KWS were in plain clothes and had not identified themselves. The Attorney General Amos Wako discontinued the case through emission of a "nolle prosequi". This decision was widely criticized by Kenyan media and public, with many claiming he walked free due to the influence of class and position, although Kenyan whites have little political power or influence any longer, in spite of some having retained their wealth and parts of their lands.

On 10 May 2006 he was taken again into custody for the killing of a poacher, Robert Njoya Mbugua, who had trespassed on his private land at Soysambu Farm.

He has been held at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison since the incident and during the ongoing court proceedings. The trial began 25 September 2006. [http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=50365, Cholmondely murder trial kicks off, Kenya Broadcasting corporation] An interlocutory appeal on a question of procedural law was decided on 13 June 2008. He won his appeal to uphold his right to a fair trial.This decision has far reaching implication, ensuring the right of every Kenyan to a reserved defence. After that, the witnesses for defence will be heard. The defence will provide some insight into this politically motivated trial by media.

ee also

* Whites in Kenya

References

* [http://justicefortom.com Information and Support Website of Family and Friends]
* [http://www.thepeerage.com/p6841.htm#i68401 Thomas Cholmondeley's entry on thepeerage.com]