Scottish Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Kenyan Wife Over Infidelity Claims

Walter Buchanan (l) and his deceased wife Darrel Odhiambo (r)

Walter Buchanan, 66, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 37-year-old wife, Darrel Odhiambo, at their home near Hamilton Racecourse on February 18, 2023. The High Court in Edinburgh convicted Buchanan, with Lord Cubie imposing a minimum punishment period of 15 years before he can apply for parole.

Buchanan was found guilty of strangling and smothering Odhiambo following a confrontation in which she accused him of infidelity. The Judiciary of Scotland stated that Buchanan, who had been married to Odhiambo for six years, attacked her in their home, restricting her breathing and causing her death.

During sentencing, Lord Cubie emphasized the impact of Buchanan’s actions on Odhiambo’s family, stating, “Nothing that I can do or say in court today can lessen the grief and anguish that the members of your late wife’s family must feel.” He further noted that Odhiambo should have been safe in her home and that Buchanan’s actions were unjustifiable.

The court heard that Odhiambo had expressed suspicion over her husband's whereabouts before the fatal incident. The post-mortem examination confirmed that she died due to manual strangulation and smothering. The jury concluded that Buchanan either intended to kill or acted with reckless disregard for the consequences.

Lord Cubie condemned Buchanan for attempting to mislead emergency responders by downplaying his role in Odhiambo’s death. Buchanan failed to disclose the altercation and later speculated in court about how her injuries may have occurred. Although he expressed regret during proceedings, the judge remarked that Buchanan appeared more concerned about the personal consequences of his actions than the loss of life he had caused.

As per Scottish law, Buchanan will serve a life sentence, with a minimum term of 15 years before being eligible to apply for parole. Lord Cubie stressed that release would depend on an assessment of public safety, and there is no guarantee of parole after the set period. The judge stated, “I must also determine the punishment part of your sentence, which is the period you must serve in full before you can apply to the Parole Board for Scotland for potential release on licence. I consider that the appropriate punishment part in your case should be 15 years.”

Buchanan’s sentence was backdated to March 12, 2024, accounting for time already spent in custody.