A widow has been waiting for 12 years for a case in which she is demanding compensation for her husband's killing to be heard.

A desperate Mrs Alice Ogutu, who has gone to court regularly throughout, now wants Mombasa Resident Judge Andrew Hayanga to help have her case determined.

Mrs Agutu first went to court on April 25, 1988, making it the oldest outstanding case in the Mombasa courts.

Some advocates who participated in the suit have died, while one who represented the hotel the widow has sued is a now a judge.

In the suit before the High Court, Mrs Agutu has sought to have Mombasa Beach Hotel compelled to pay her for the death of her husband, Mr John Opiyo.

Mr Opiyo was a watchman at the hotel when he met his death on September 15, 1985. 

An armed gang clubbed him to death while on duty.

A death certificate in the court file indicated that Mr Opiyo died of severe head injuries.

He was survived by the widow and three children, all of whom are still alive.

When the file was presented before the High Court yesterday, Mr Justice Hayanga took issue with the way the matter has been handled all through.

He said records showed it was apparent there was inordinate delay in the hearing and determination of the case.