My name is Susan Asiimwe. I am the only sister to the late Lenah’s , We were a normal, happy and lively family until the morning of July 31, 2013, when our lives were changed forever.

When news of Linah’s death reached us, none of us could believe what we were hearing. Words alone cannot describe how we felt on that day and how we continue feeling or how we manage to function on a daily basis.

Our family has been gravely traumatized both emotionally and physically, by this senseless loss of and the brutal act of violence through which it was perpetrated.

A permanent picture in our minds and hearts of the last moments of our sister, daughter and friend will never leave us. I would never ever want any other family to go through what we are going through and will go through for the rest of our lives.

Our dear mother has spells of uncontrollable crying and we all have nightmares. Linah’s nieces and nephews, stay in complete denial of the truth and will not face or speak off it.

Linah was vibrant, graceful, gentle and so alive bet her life was tragically cut short by the wilful actions of a cruel man who took it upon himself to end her life .We will always wonder why Kikawa felt compelled to commit this crime.

It is beyond our comprehension how a person could do this to another human being. Yet we must live in this hideous aftermath that has sentenced us for life. Time will not heal these wounds but perhaps ease the pain.

When we saw Linah in her coffin, we couldn't believe what we were seeing. Her cold, bruised and battered body certainly looked like Linah, but there was no sparkle in her eyes. The radiant smile, the warmth and tenderness of her touch were all gone.

It is hard to comprehend the fact that Linah will NEVER be around to see her daughter grow. It is equally hard to believe comprehend our mother has been left without a daughter, our brothers are without a sister and Linah’s friends are without their friend- all because someone felt he had the right to end a life.

Kikawa’s trial began on the 22/04/2014, I was managed to attend with my mother and my brother Ivan, though it was not easy to listen to how my one and only sister was stabbed to death

The Jury had from 22 witnesses from the prosecution side and 2 from the defense side.

Today around 3:30 pm that’s when we had the News from Central criminal court of Justice the Jury awarding their verdict convicting Kikawa of murder thus requesting life sentence.

Life sentence in prison will not bring our Linah back but atleast Justice is served and I can say I am happy for thatWe leave our plight to the grace and mercy of God almighty. We would like to thank the endless list of people who have provided us with physical and emotional support.

Thank you to the British Justice system, UK police liaison officers, the social services, The Government of Rwanda through My employer who stood with me since the loss of my sister until now and the many friends that have supported us.

God bless you all

Asiimwe Susan

Legal Specialist

SPIU- Ministry of Trade and Industry