Alvin Gitahi convicted of murdering ex-partner Vivienne Baraka in Ealing
Baraka sent a final text to her mother saying she was 'in danger' before her death in March 2024
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Named sources and official statements
Higher is stronger
Clear structure and relevant quotes
Higher is stronger
Sensational language in headline
Lower is better
A man has been convicted of murdering his ex-partner after she sent a desperate text to her mother minutes before her death. Alvin Gitahi, 44, strangled Vivienne Baraka, 35, at her flat in Ealing on 26 March 2024. Baraka had told her mother she was 'in danger' and asked her to call emergency services.
The jury at Southwark Crown Court found Gitahi guilty of murder following a trial. Prosecutor Charlotte Newell KC told the court Baraka had repeatedly endured violent abuse, including strangulation, and had told family Gitahi threatened to 'finish' her. She feared reporting him to police would provoke further violence.
Met Inspector Dave Newman denies sexually assaulting three officers in Soho
The 39-year-old from Luton is accused of groping three female colleagues on a dance floor in 2023
Years of abuse before fatal attack
Baraka had confided in her mother that Gitahi would 'kill her' if she tried to leave. In January 2022, she reported an incident to police in which Gitahi punched her, bit her finger, and strangled her. During that attack, she hid in the bathroom, but Gitahi removed the door handle to trap her inside.
The court heard Baraka had let Gitahi into her flat on the day of her death, shortly after their relationship ended. By the time police arrived, she was already dead. Gitahi denied involvement, but the jury rejected his account.
Ashley Wallace convicted of murdering Tyrece Balcha near Wembley Stadium
The 40-year-old was found guilty of shooting the 18-year-old on South Way in September 2025
We are grateful that justice has prevailed. Vivienne was taken from us far too soon. She was a very much loved member of our family, and she is missed every day.
Vivienne Baraka’s family
Family calls for accountability
Baraka’s family said they were relieved justice had been served. They described her as community-oriented and a devoted mother. 'Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter,' they said. They thanked those who had supported them during the trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, called the case devastating. 'A young woman has been subject to ongoing violence in her own home, culminating in her tragic death,' he said. 'While no outcome can undo this loss, we hope today’s conviction brings her family some measure of closure.'
What happens next
Gitahi remains in custody and is due to be sentenced in October 2024. The court has not yet set a date for the hearing. Baraka’s family said they would continue to honour her memory and support her daughter.
Questions this report answers
+What was Alvin Gitahi convicted of?
Alvin Gitahi was convicted of murdering his ex-partner Vivienne Baraka at her Ealing flat on 26 March 2024. The jury at Southwark Crown Court found him guilty after hearing evidence of years of violent abuse.
+What did Vivienne Baraka’s final text say?
Vivienne Baraka sent a text to her mother saying she was 'in danger' and asked her to call 999. The message suggested she feared being overheard making the call herself, according to the prosecution.
+When will Alvin Gitahi be sentenced?
Alvin Gitahi will be sentenced in October 2024. He remains in custody until the hearing, though the court has not yet confirmed the exact date.
+Why did Vivienne Baraka fear reporting the abuse?
Baraka told her mother that Gitahi would 'kill her' if she tried to leave. She had previously reported an incident in 2022 but feared escalating violence if she sought further help.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.