Baringo man jailed 20 years for killing wife after night of drinking

A High Court in Kabarnet, Baringo County, has handed a 20-year prison sentence to a man found guilty of brutally killing his wife following a night of drinking two years ago.

Justice Rachel Ngetich sentenced Silas Chemjor for the death of his wife, Florence Kibor, on May 30, 2023, in Kaptich, Baringo Central.

The court heard that the mother of one died as a result of domestic violence, a tragedy that has left lasting emotional scars within the local community.

"She lost her life following domestic violence, and community views expressed in the pre-sentence report indicate that there is still resentment towards her husband," Justice Ngetich noted during sentencing.

Vivian Chepchieng, a neighbour, told the court that on the night of May 29, 2023, she heard cries and loud noises coming from the couple's home. Chepchieng, who was with her children at the time, said the two had a history of drinking and fighting, and she initially dismissed the disturbance as yet another quarrel.

However, the next morning around 10 a.m., she was called by the couple's 14-year-old son who found his mother in pain and unresponsive. Upon arriving, Chepchieng and another neighbour advised the boy to call for help if the condition worsened. Sadly, Kibor was found dead the next morning.

In an emotional account, the teenage boy said he came home from school to find his mother lying on the bed in pain, with bloodstains on the mattress and her legs. Despite his efforts to help, she later succumbed to her injuries.

A postmortem conducted by pathologist Dr. Wangare Wambugu revealed that Kibor died from massive internal bleeding in the pelvic region, caused by sharp and blunt force trauma.

Chemjor, in his defence, admitted to the killing and blamed intoxication and emotional strain. He told the court he struck his wife with a stick during a heated argument that turned violent.

Justice Ngetich observed that the couple lived in separate houses, suggesting deep-rooted marital discord. "A custodial sentence will give the accused a chance to reflect on his behaviour, undergo rehabilitation, and promote justice within the community," she ruled.

Chemjor will serve 20 years behind bars for the fatal assault.