By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Vincent Odhiambo Okeyo has been handed a 30-year prison sentence by the Kisumu Court for the crime of manslaughter.
Lady Mwanaisha Shariff, in her verdict, declared that Vincent Odhiambo Okeyo would be incarcerated for causing the death of his children, Edwin Oluoch and Ronald Ochieng, due to poisoning.
Tragically, one of the children lost their life as a result of the poisoning.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, state prosecutor Mercy Mutheu Muema led the case in which the accused was first charged with murder under sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code.
Later on, the accused, represented by his legal counsel, engaged in plea negotiations that were approved by the prosecution.
Consequently, he admitted guilt to a lesser charge of manslaughter, as outlined in section 202 and in conjunction with section 205 of the Penal Code.
“After admitting to the facts, the probation office prepared a presentencing report, and the accused was afforded an opportunity to present mitigating circumstances,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stated.
“Both the defence and prosecution were given the chance to submit on sentencing,” the ODDP added.
The prosecution emphasized the gravity of a father terminating his child’s life and advocated for a custodial sentence to serve as a deterrent to society.
In her judgment, Lady Justice Shariff stressed the accused’s failure to fulfil his paternal duty of protection, instead opting to end his child’s life prematurely.
The court emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of families.