Schoolgirl charged with murder of boyfriend
A 17-year-old schoolgirl was yesterday charged with the murder of her boyfriend.
Beatrice Anyango appeared before Kisumu High Court judge Justice Fred Ochieng and pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against her.
Court heard that on September 7, at Apoko trading center in Nyakach sub-county, Kisumu, Anyango stabbed Julius Juma multiple times, leading to his death.
On September 23, the suspect first appeared before court, but did not take plea after the Prosecution prayed that she be taken for an age assessment and a council to be appointed on her behalf.
Other prayers that were brought to court included a mental assessment and that the minor be remanded at the children’s remand home, pending age assessment report.
Court issued orders that Byron Menzes be appointed as her counsel and that she be taken for Covid-19 test to be facilitated by Pap Onditi OCS on the same day before being taken to a children’s home.
On September 29, a mental assessment was conducted on her at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital’s phsychiatric department. She was declared fit to a plea.
Justice Ochieng released her on a personal bond of Sh300,000, to be executed by her elder sister, Florence Akinyi.
Menze had asked the court to release the suspect on a favorable bond terms arguing that she is a minor.
“I pray that my client be released on a reasonable bond terms, which her family can raise since she comes from a humble background,” he said.
Earlier, Prosecutor Maureen Odumba opposed her release on bond.
Eight witnesses have been lined-up to testify in the case. The case will be mentioned on October 29.
