A Kisumu court has sentenced a mentally ill woman to three years’ probation with mandatory psychiatric treatment after she was found guilty of killing her six-month-old son.
Sarah Anyango pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter under a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Justice Omido J. accepted the plea and imposed a non-custodial sentence in light of the accused’s mental condition.
The court heard that on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Kanyaranga Village, Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County, Anyango—who appeared mentally disturbed—was seen assaulting her infant son, Joseph Calvins Omondi, while staying with her relative, Angeline Anyango Muga.
Despite intervention efforts by Ms. Muga and the accused’s father, Mr. Manesse Onyango, the accused fled into a maize plantation and spent the night outside.
The following day, Ms. Muga found Anyango still carrying the child, who appeared unresponsive. Village Elder Joseph Owiti and Area Chief Mr. Caleb Oende were called to the scene.
Police officers confirmed the child’s death and took the accused into custody.
A post-mortem conducted at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital by Dr. Ombok revealed the infant had suffered multiple severe injuries, including the removal of the left eye, burn-like injuries to the right foot, complete skin removal from the left foot, facial swelling, and signs of strangulation—identified as the cause of death.
The prosecution led by Mercy Muema acknowledged the gravity of the crime but emphasized the accused’s need for medical and psychiatric care, highlighting the seriousness of mental health conditions in criminal cases.
In mitigation, defense counsel Okoth Oluoch argued that the accused was not of sound mind during the incident, expressed remorse, and had since undergone psychiatric treatment at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
He added that she has shown significant improvement while in custody. As part of the sentence, Anyango will continue to receive treatment and monitoring to support her rehabilitation.
