By Dorothy Musyoka
A Kisumu court has sentenced a woman suffering from mental illness to three years’ probation and mandatory psychiatric treatment after she was found guilty of killing her six month old son in May this year.
Sarah Anyango, who had initially been charged with murder, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter under a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Justice Omido J. accepted the plea deal and opted for a non-custodial sentence, taking into account the accused’s mental condition at the time of the offence.
According to the ODPP, the court was told that on May 10, 2024, in Kanyaranga Village, Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County, Anyango, who appeared mentally disturbed, assaulted her infant son, Joseph Calvins Omondi, while staying with her relative, Ms. Angeline Anyango Muga.
“The court heard that on May 10, 2024, in Kanyaranga Village, Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County, Anyango who appeared mentally disturbed was seen assaulting her infant son, Joseph Calvins Omondi, while staying with her relative, Angeline Anyango Muga. Despite intervention efforts by Ms. Muga and the accused’s father, Mr. Manesse Onyango, the accused fled into a maize plantation and spent the night outside,” the ODPP explained.
The next morning, Ms. Muga found Anyango still clutching the child, who appeared unresponsive. Village Elder Joseph Owiti and Area Chief Caleb Oende were called to the scene, and police officers confirmed the infant’s death before arresting the mother.
According to the report, a post-mortem conducted at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital revealed shocking injuries.
According to forensic pathologist Dr. Ombok, the baby had suffered multiple wounds, including the removal of the left eye, burn-like injuries on one foot, complete skin removal from the other foot, facial swelling, and signs of strangulation the ultimate cause of death.
Prosecutor Mercy Muema acknowledged the harrowing nature of the crime but emphasized the need for compassion and appropriate medical intervention in cases involving mental illness.
In her defense, lawyer Okoth Oluoch stated that Anyango was not of sound mind during the incident, had since shown remorse, and had been undergoing psychiatric care at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she had made notable progress.
The court ordered that Anyango continue receiving psychiatric care under supervision during her probation period to ensure her full rehabilitation and reintegration into society.