Three Charged With Baby Sagini’s Attempted Murder Plead Not Guilty

KISII, Kenya, Dec 23 – Three people charged with the attempted murder of Baby Sagini were arraigned in a Kisii court on Friday, December 23, where they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Alex Ochogo, Pacifica Nyakerario and Rael Nyakerario appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Ogweno for colluding to gouge out the eyes of the minor.

According to the prosecution, the three between December 13-14, at Ikuruma location, Marani Sub-County within Kisii county, attempted to unlawfully cause the death of Brighton Junior Sagini by gouging out his eyes contrary to section 220 of the penal code.

Prosecution counsel Hilary Kaino in his application asked the court to deny the accused persons bond or bail on the grounds that they will interfere with the witnesses who are their close relatives.

“I oppose this court granting the accused persons bond or bail for they are likely to interfere with witnesses who are close relatives to them,” said Kaino.

Further, Kaino told the court that granting bail or bond to the witnesses may raise fear, intimidation and anxiety thus no interest for justice.

Kaino also opposed the bond application due to public order peace and security on grounds that the case attracted huge public interest and there is a likelihood for the accused persons may be harmed by members of the public since the situation is still volatile.

“These are the compelling reasons for this court to deny them bond or bail,” said Kaino.

Nduhukire Anita an advocate representing baby Sagini told the court, she associated herself with the prosecution’s application to have the court deny the accused person’s bond or bail.

“As an interested party, in this case, we ask this court not to release the accused persons due to the nature of the case, they may also interfere with the evidence and prejudice the matter before the court,” said George Morara who holding brief for the County Government, which is an interested party in the matter.

Morara said Baby Sagini is under the care of the Children’s officers and his health status is being reviewed by medical specialists.

“This court orders the three accused persons to be remanded in police custody without bond or bail awaiting trial,” said Cristine Ogweno.

The three accused persons will be remanded at Kisii Prison awaiting trial. The case will be mentioned on January 18, 2023, for trial and any other directions.