"I don't have the capacity to hate them" - mother of St Pauls murder victim calls for killers to come forward

Her son, Eddie Kinuthia, was fatally stabbed near his family home in July

Irene Muthemba speaking at an Avon and Somerset press conference (10th August)
Author: Jess PaynePublished 10th Aug 2023
Last updated 29th Jan 2024

The mother of Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia, who was fatally stabbed in St Pauls, has urged witnesses to come forward and help her family find justice.

Irene Muthemba, Eddie's mother, spoke at a press conference on Thursday afternoon (10th August) in tribute to her son and to echo Avon and Somerset Police's calls for information.

19-year-old Eddie was repeatedly stabbed on Grosvenor Road, in St Pauls, Bristol at around 11pm on the 21st July. He died in hospital.

Police have so far arrested five men in connection with Eddie's death.

"I’m appealing to your conscience because someone out there must know something that can assist, to get justice for Eddie," Irene said.

And to the families of the people involved in the killing, she had no message of hate.

"I don't have the capacity to hate them or even feel angry, I just feel incredibly sad for their souls.

"I’m asking your parents and your families - do you have the courage to do the right thing to encourage your son to face to their actions?

"I am inviting you as a mother, parent-to-parent, so we can set an example to our children that love wins and will always be above hate."

Alongside the sadness and grief was a sense of desperation - a call to end the violence.

"These young men could have been brothers and friends because, at the end of the day, we are all human we are not monsters there is absolutely no need for these wars that have become so entrenched in today’s youth culture.

"This world belongs to everybody and there is enough to share. Your evil actions only cause devastation to families and gain you nothing whatsoever."

Her final, touching words were in tribute to Eddie: "Rest easy baby boy - forever 19."

A the conference, Avon and Somerset Police repeated their appeal for witnesses.

DCI Mark Almond said: "We are determined to get justice for Eddie and answers for his family but we need help from people.

"We need witnesses to come forward to give statements."

He has asked anyone who saw two people in dark clothing riding an electric motorbike in St Pauls or Easton on the 21st July to come forward.

The force are again appealing for anyone seen in the Grosvenor Road area of St Pauls on Friday 21st July between 10pm and 11pm to speak to police by calling 101.

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