A 40-year-old man has been handed a 150-year prison sentence after being found guilty of the tragic killing of his three children in 2019 in Lelaitich, Bomet County. The sentencing, delivered by Justice Julius Kipkosgei Ng’arng’ar at the Bomet High Court on Monday, ensures that each conviction will be served consecutively, with the judge assigning 50 years for each count.
Benard Kipkemoi Kirui was convicted for the murder of his three sons—Amos Kipngetich, 12, Vincent Kiprotich, 8, and Emanuel Kipronoh, 5—while their mother was away. The court classified the crime as heinous and inhuman, emphasizing that the severe punishment serves as a deterrent to others contemplating such violent actions.
This ruling upholds justice and sets a strong precedent for similar cases, stated Justice Ng’arng’ar, highlighting the gravity of the crime.
Following the verdict, Sharon Cherono, the mother of the deceased children, expressed her satisfaction with the court’s decision. Justice has been served, and I thank the court for ensuring my children did not die in vain, she said.
While the ruling marks a significant step in ensuring accountability, the court has granted Kirui 14 days to appeal the sentence.
WITNESS DIES IN COURT WHILE TESTIFYING
A court session in Bondo took an unexpected and tragic turn when a witness collapsed and later passed away while testifying in a land succession case. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 13, left the courtroom in shock and disbelief.
The deceased, identified as Charles Obonyo, had appeared before the Bondo Magistrate’s Court to provide testimony regarding an ongoing land dispute. However, in the midst of his statement, he suddenly lost consciousness. Family members present at the hearing rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead during treatment.
Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo confirmed the incident, stating that the administrator of the Bondo law courts, Dickson Ochiel, was the one who officially reported the matter to the police station. Authorities later learned that the deceased’s family had taken his body home without notifying law enforcement about his passing.
The sudden demise of Charles Obonyo has raised concerns regarding medical emergencies within court premises and the necessity for immediate response mechanisms.
