Twenty years in prison for chopping off a hand

Kapenguria,

Monday, January 22, 2024

KNA by Anthony Melly

 A man in West Pokot County has been sentenced to a 20-year jail term, after he pleaded guilty to chopping- off the hand of a complainant, who had accused him of having stolen a basin.

Jonathan Mnangat, was charged with causing grievous harm to Cosmas Kapkama on 14, January 2024, at Safari hotel village at Kaprom Sub-location, Kapkoris location.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Kapenguria Principal Magistrate, Stellah Telewa, Monday.

The incident occurred when Cosmas Kapkama, complained about a missing basin to Jonathan Mnangat, whom he had accused of stealing it.

During the trial the Court heard that the complainant was tending to his farm when he received information about someone attempting to sell his basin.

Concerned about his missing appliance, he contacted his brother for assistance. However, while the complainant was in the midst of this conversation, the accused walked to where the complainant was and cut-off his hand using a panga.

  Photos of the hand that was cut-off and a P3 form were produced in court as exhibits.

 The offender expressed remorse in court for his actions, acknowledging that it was his first offense.

The Court found him guilty of the offense and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment. He was granted 14 days to exercise his right to appeal the verdict.

Courtesy; KNA