Bomet man sentenced to 40 years for locking wife in house, setting it on fire

The High Court in Bomet has sentenced a man to 40 years in prison for killing his wife at Seanin village in 2020.

The court heard that Robert Kipkorir Tonui locked Emmy Chepkoech Mitei in the house, doused it in petrol, and set it on fire on October 3, 2020.

Chepkoech was rescued from the burning house with 90% burns and rushed to hospital for medical attention, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries four days later.

“After reviewing the evidence, the Court held that the prosecution had proved the charge of murder against the accused,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a statement.

“He was convicted and sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment, a penalty the Court noted reflects the seriousness of gender-based violence and serves as a deterrent to similar offences.”