A domestic abuser who beat and strangled his ex-partner has been convicted of her murder.
Alvin Gitahi, 43, was found guilty of murdering Vivienne Baraka at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, and faces the prospect of life in prison.
The court heard that Mr Gitahi had a history of punching Ms Baraka, 35, and grabbing her around the neck when he was drunk and in a rage.
On March 26, 2024, Ms Baraka had broken up with Mr Gitahi but let him into her home.
At around 3.15pm, Ms Baraka’s mother received a text from her daughter, pleading with her to call 999 because she was “in danger” - but by the time police officers arrived, she was dead on the bathroom floor.
Her body was found with bruising to her face and neck and burst blood vessels in her eyes, and a post-mortem examination showed that she had died from compression to the neck.
Mr Gitahi, who denied having anything to do with her death, was the only other person at the flat, and a series of reports about his abusive behaviour had been made to friends, family, and police.
When accused of murder, he accused Ms Baraka - without evidence - of heavy drinking and drug use.
Electronic devices were seized from the address, revealing messages between Ms Baraka and Mr Gitahi which indicated a pattern of abusive behaviour, and phone records showed that she had rang her mother shortly before her death.
Prosecutor Charlotte Newell KC told the court: “The relationship had been a tempestuous one and Viv had spoken to police in 2022 and 2023, telling them Alvin had become violent towards her when he was drunk and that violence included punching and strangling her, putting his hands on her throat, restricting her breathing, straddling her and saying: ‘I will finish you’”.
The court also heard Ms Baraka feared calling the police or trying to leave him because he “would kill her”.
The prosecutor said Ms Baraka spoke to police in January 2022 when she was found by officers “cowering” inside her bathroom.
Following that incident, she said that she believed Mr Gitahi was about to throttle her, and he had then removed the door handle to prevent her from leaving.
In August 2022, Ms Baraka told her mother that she had been punched in the eye, and in April 2023 her mother overheard an argument between her daughter and Mr Gitahi when she was “begging him not to strangle her”.
Key witness statements following her death told officers that a woman could be heard screaming prior to the arrival of police.
Mr Gitahi was subsequently charged with murder on Wednesday, October 8 2025.
After being found guilty, he has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court during the week commencing Monday October 19.
In a statement, Ms Baraka’s family said: “We are grateful that justice has prevailed. Vivienne was very community-orientated and helped a lot of people during her life.
“She was taken from us far too soon. She was a very much loved member of our family, and she is missed every day.
“Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Vivienne's loved ones, who have lost a mother, daughter and a friend.
“This is a devastating case where a young woman has been subject to ongoing violence in her own home, culminating in her tragic death. While no outcome can undo this loss, we hope today's conviction brings her family and friends some measure of closure and reassurance that Gitahi has been held accountable for his actions.
“Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls remains firm. We will continue to pursue offenders and work closely with partner agencies to prevent harm and support victims. We encourage anyone affected to seek help from the police or support services."
