A class six girl in Baringo has withdrawn a case in which she had sued her dad for assault after the father attempted to discipline her.
Faith Chepkangor told Kabarnet Resident Magistrate Vienah Amboko on Thursday that she had forgiven her dad and wanted him back at home.
The minor had pressed charges against Peter Kipsang that on March 4, this year at Kaptindet, Baringo Central Sub County within Baringo County he unlawfully assaulted her thereby causing actual bodily harm.
The father however pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying he was incapable of harming his own child and was just instilling discipline. “I cannot do harm when correcting my child, I believe I am obliged to discipline my offspring in the right way, I am innocent of the charge,” Kipsang said.
Prosecutor Joseck Abwajo admitted to court to have been informed of the complainant’s plea to withdraw the case. “I was recently informed by the complainant, the accused’s daughter that she wishes to forgive her father, and withdraw the assault charge before court,” Abwajo stated.
The prosecutor in his submissions stated that he was not opposed to withdrawal of the case, but prays that accused be given penalty when he appears again before court for the charge.
The child, a class six pupil in her testimony stated that her father had assaulted her and she was admitted at Baringo Referral Hospital for medication.
The girl in the company of the grandmother Prisca Chebii told court that she was okay with having case withdrawn against father, for she was well now.
The accused on his mitigation stated that he is remorseful of the act and would never repeat the assault, and promised to correct her rightfully.
The Magistrate Amboko in her ruling ordered the accused to be careful when disciplining his children, and avoid unnecessary violence.
“I recommend that you discipline boys only, for girls it’s good that you allow the mother to correct them accordingly,” Amboko stated.
Amboko ordered accused be released and the case withdrawn under section 204 of the Cap laws of Kenya.
By Laban Kiptoo and Christopher Kiprop
