A 17-year-old mother of one was last Friday arraigned at the Kiambu High Court to answer charges of murdering her two a half years old step-daughter.
The suspect who appeared in court while carrying her year-old child, was presented before Kiambu High Court Judge, Lady Justice Christine Meoli, who ordered that she undergoes an age-assessment examination prior to taking plea.
The mother is suspected to have murdered the child at Ngarariga area within Limuru Sub- county, on the 2nd day of March, at unknown time while disciplining the deceased, contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the Penal Code Laws of Kenya.
The suspect was reported to the police by the area residents who had previously cautioned her against severe beating and mistreatment of the deceased child which on the material date resulted into her death.
The suspect is being represented by defence Counsel, Mr Nelson Dachuba, who objected plea taking on grounds that she was a minor aged 17 years.
The State Prosecution Counsel, Christine Kathambi, confirmed that the suspect had testified to be 17 years old but she had no valid documents such as her birth certificate to confirm her age.
Mrs Kathambi asked the Court to allow the suspect undergo the age assessment to determine her age before taking the plea.
In her ruling, Lady Justice Meoli ordered that the suspect be assessed at the Kiambu Level Five Hospital and a report to be prepared and filed in court before taking the plea on the 25th day of March 2020.
The accused will now be remanded at Tigoni Police Station while awaiting the procedure. Meanwhile, in the same Court, a man was charged with murdering a woman.
Tairus Gachuru Mwangi, is suspected to have killed Purity Karwirwa, on the night of the 26th February 2020, in Nchaka area which is within Kiambaa Sub-county. The accused denied the charges against him.
Through his Defence Counsel, Nelson Dachuba, the accused requested to be released on bond terms but Lady Justice Meoli asked the Counsel to file an application for bond before the court.
His case was fixed for hearing on the 2nd and 3rd December 2020 and will be mentioned on 20th April 2020. Pre-trial will be held on 7th July 2020.
By Lydia Shiloya and Ndu’ngu Brian.
