• Thursday, 17 July 2025
Woman Who Burnt Her Infant to Death Handed 3-Year Non-Custodial Sentence

Woman Who Burnt Her Infant to Death Handed 3-Year Non-Custodial Sentence

A woman has been sentenced to three years’ probation with mandatory psychiatric evaluation after a Kisumu court found that she was guilty of murdering her infant son who was 11 months old.

 

Under a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) that was accepted by Justice Omido Joe, Sarah Anyango pleaded guilty, and the presiding judge imposed a non-custodial sentence considering her mental condition.

 

In an account from May 10, 2024 which was presented to the court, Sarah who appeared mentally disturbed was seen assaulting her infant son, Joseph Calvin Omondi, while they were residing with relatives in Kanyaranga Village, Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County. 

 

On intervention by the hosting relative, Angeline Anyango Muga and Sarah’s father, Manasse Onyango, the accused fled into a maize plantation, spending the night outside. 

 

However, Muga found Sarah, who was still holding the unresponsive child and led the area’s village elder, Joseph Owiti and the chief, Caleb Oende to the scene.

 

Police officers who were called to the scene confirmed that the child had died and the accused was placed in custody.

A post-mortem done by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital’s Dr. Ombok revealed that the deceased infant had multiple injuries, from a removed left eye, burn-like injuries to the right foot, complete skin removal from the left foot, facial swelling, and signs of strangulation which was identified as the cause of death.

 

The prosecution, led by Mercy Muema acknowledged the gravity of the crime brought before the court but noted that the accused needs psychiatric and medical care and that the situation serves as a highlight into the seriousness of mental health situations when it comes to criminal cases.

 

 
Read Also: Kitengela: Lorry Burnt After Mother and Child Killed in Accident
 
 

Defense counsel Okoth Oluoch argued that the accused, who was not of sound mind during the incident, has since shown remorse. 

 

Oluoch also noted that the accused underwent psychiatric treatment at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital and is showing significant improvement while in custody.

 

Anyango will continue to receive treatment and monitoring to support her rehabilitation as part of her court sentence. 

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