A 26-year-old woman who was accused of stealing a baby boy in Homa Bay town has been sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty.
Agnes Atieno Onyango alias Aisha was found guilty of stealing a one-year-old baby boy contrary to section 174 (1) (a) of the Penal Code.
The court found out that on August 2, 2023, the 26-year-old woman who was taking care of the baby when his mother was away stole the baby at Shauri Yako estate in Homa Bay town.
Atieno tried to escape with the baby by crossing the border to Tanzania.
Homa Bay court was told that Anyango who was a house help took the baby when his mother left for work in Homa Bay town.
The prosecution counsel told the court that the convict acted without the approval of the parents of the child.
Atieno is said to have picked up and carried the baby when he was asleep to avoid crying.
She also took her belongings and left the house without informing anyone.
Homa Bay principal magistrate Joy Wesonga said Atieno acted mischievously.
Atieno was accused of stealing the baby with the intention of making parents not access and take care of him.
“From the presentations and evidence brought to the court, there is enough proof that the accused stole the baby,” Wesonga said.
Atieno was granted an opportunity to defend herself before being sentenced.
In mitigation, Atieno said she had no intention of stealing the child.
According to her, she was going home with the child to get medicine.
“I am a parent with children who depend on me. I am the sole breadwinner of my family,” she said.
She said one of her children was suffering from sickle cell and needed her attention.
Atieno claimed she has worked as a house help for at least 15 years in different parts of the country and has never been accused of any crime.
Wesonga said cases of child theft have been on the rise in the country and suspects should be sentenced to at least seven years behind bars.
“I have considered your plea and sentenced you to five years in jail,” Wesonga noted.
Her sentencing begins from the day she was arrested. She was given 14 days to appeal the case.
The boy’s father Abdul Aziz said he supports the sentencing.
“The court decision will act as an example to people who have similar intention of stealing children. We thank the court for serving us justice,” Aziz said.