The hearing of a case in which three people are accused of gouging the eyes of Baby Brighton Sagini will be heard on February 24 and March 3, a court ruled today.
The prosecution led by Hilary Kiano amended the charges for the suspects from attempted murder to causing grievous bodily harm contrary to section 4 of the penal code.
Alex Maina Ochogo, Rael Mayieka and Pacificah Nyakerario appeared before Kisii Resident magistrate, Christine Ogweno and denied that on December 12 and 13 last year, at Ikuruma village, Marani Sub County, Kisii County, they caused bodily harm to Sagini, aged 3.
While terming the matter as weighty, the Magistrate directed that the accused persons be remanded at a Kisii prison and be represented by Lawyers- Kerosi Ondieki and violet Moguche
Ogweno directed the Marani Directorate of Criminal Investigation officer and legal team for other parties to exchange statements to be relied on during the hearing.
"I urge the prosecution to file an inventory before the trial begins. The hearing will start at 10.00 a.m” the Magistrate ruled.
Kaino said from the evidence the prosecution has gathered, there is enough ground for the accused persons to be charged with causing grievous bodily harm. Sagini was found abandoned on a maize plantation near their home.
Lawyer George Morara, an interested party representing the Kisii county government and Anita Nduhukire who was representing baby Sagini supported the new charges.
Morara told the court that the Witness Protection Agency had requested the court to set the hearing date for the case for witnesses to avail themselves and record statements.
There was a light moment in court when the magistrate asked Ochogo about the condition at the Prison after he complained last time that he was suffering, saying it was fine.
Ondieki said he would visit the prison to address any challenge Ochogo might face.
