A man in West Pokot County has been sentenced to a 20-year in jail after he pleaded guilty to chopping the hand of a complainant, who had accused him of stealing a basin.
Jonathan Mnangat was charged with causing grievous harm to Cosmas Kapkama on January 14, 2024, at Safari Hotel Village at Kaprom sub-location, Kapkoris location.
Mnangat pleaded guilty when he appeared before Kapenguria Principal Magistrate, Stellah Telewa, Monday.
The incident occurred when Kapkama, complained about a missing basin to Mnangat, whom he had accused of stealing it.
During the trial, the court heard that the complainant was tending to his farm when he received information about someone attempting to sell his basin.
Concerned, he contacted his brother for assistance. However, while the complainant was in the midst of this conversation, the accused walked to where the complainant was and cut off his hand using a panga.
Photos of the hand that was cut and a P3 form were produced in court as exhibits.
The offender expressed remorse in court for his actions, acknowledging that it was his first offence.
The court found him guilty of the offence and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment.
He was granted 14 days to exercise his right to appeal the verdict.
