Baby Sagini’s Case To Commence Under Strict Privacy Measures

KISII, Kenya, Jan 18 – The pre-trial case of the three accused persons linked to the gouging out of baby Sagini’s eyes will commence on March 2, 2023, at the Kisii Law Court under strict measures to consider the privacy of the minors.

Alex Maina Ochogo, Rael Nyakerario and Pacificah Nyakerario were charged with attempted murder contrary to section 220(a) of the penal code.

It is alleged that they gouged Baby Sagini’s eyes between December 13 and 14, 2022, at Ikuruma Village, Marani Sub-County, Kisii County.

The boy was found abandoned in a grass plantation by her sister and he was rushed to Kisii eye hospital where he was treated.

George Morara, who appeared in Court as an interested party representing the Kisii County Government and presented the application of privacy of the minors before the Court.

He cited that in section 16 of the Children’s Act, a child shall not be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his or her honour and reputation.

Also, the child has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Morara asked the court to grant the minors more time for the psychological procedure to be completed since they are the main witnesses in the case.

“Baby Sagini and his sister underwent psychological torture and they are under depression I plead to the court to grant them more time to heal,” he said.

Morara said that on December 21, 2022, Esnahs Nyaramba , an activist ,   infringed on the privacy of the two minors by leaking information which was posted on social media and this is against the children’s Act.

Nduhukire Anita, who is representing Baby Sagini in the case supported the application.

Hillary Kaino, the prosecutor supported the application asking the court to supply documents to the accused persons as they wait for pretrial time.

Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Ogweno said that the court has considered the application and privacy of the minors not to be infringed.