Homa Bay: House help sentenced to 5 years in jail for stealing baby

The accused, Agnes Atieno Anyango alias Aisha who was employed as a house help was found guilty of stealing her employer's infant contrary to section 174 (1) (a) of the Penal Code.

The court found out that on August 2, 2023, she stole a baby in Shauri Yako and tried to run away with him when his mother was away.

She was arrested at Sirare border point in Migori County while attempting to sneak with the baby to Tanzania, barely a day after she was employed by the baby’s mother to look after the infant.

Prosecution counsel told the court that the convict acted without the approval of the parents of the child.

Homa Bay Principal Magistrate Joy Wesonga, in her judgment, said the accused will serve a five-year jail term since she acted mischievously.

Wesonga noted that cases of child theft have been on the rise in the country and suspects should be sentenced to at least five years behind bars to serve as an example to others who may have similar intentions.

The court has given Anyango 14 days to appeal the case if she is interested.