A Kisii court was treated to drama and laughter after the prime suspect who allegedly gouged out Baby Sagini's eyes pleaded with the court to fasten the hearing process since he was suffering in prison.
Alex Ochogo Maina, who is Sagini's cousin was arraigned in court alongside his accomplices; Sagini's aunt Pacificah Nyakerario and grandmother Rael Mayaka.
While lamenting before Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Ogweno, Ochogo pleaded with the court to honour his plea and save him from bedbugs and lice that made his life miserable.
“Why can’t you present the witnesses here as fast as possible because I am suffering in there. I never sleep and bedbugs and lice are feasting on me,” Ochogo stated amidst laughter.
On their part, the prosecution counsel which comprised of the Attorney-General of the County Government of Kisii, Hilary Kaino, George Morara and other lawyers representing interested parties asked the court for more time to allow Baby Sagini to get well so that he is able to attend the court session and testify.
“Your honour, one of the minors who is a key witness is going through a set of procedures including counselling and aiding recovery after the traumatic event. In essence, the two minors are receiving psychological support from trained personnel. We are in agreement that the court grants more time for the other witnesses to attend the court session,” they stated.
The senior resident magistrate agreed to the prosecution's request and asked social media users to refrain from infringing the minors' rights.
“The court reaffirms the need and importance to protect the privacy of the minor…the media and other social media users are directed to avoid covering what would in any way infringe upon the privacy of the minors. Further pretrial will be on March 2 this year,” Magistrate Ogweno ruled.
Baby Sagini was found dumped at a banana plantation six hours after he was kidnapped by unknown people.
He was abducted from his parent's home in Ikuruma village in Marani, Kisii county on the evening of December 14, 2022.
The minor's face was covered with blood when he was found. The unknown person (s) gouged out his eyes before they left.
After the suspects were arrested, the minor was placed under state protection where the Child Welfare Society of Kenya is looking after him.
