Granny, 87, spends month in remand over plastic chairs theft

An 87-year-old granny spent the entire month of December behind bars after being allegedly found in possession of two stolen plastic chairs in her home in Migori.

Risper Ongwena spent the entire festive season in remand waiting for the court to determine her innocence after her grandson who allegedly stole the chairs left them at her house and took off.

Margaret Onyango, her daughter, told Citizen Digital that the grandson left the stolen property behind his grandmother’s house and escaped to an unknown place, adding that they were unable to raise the money for bail or to hire a lawyer to represent Ms Ongwena.

She added that her mother, who is vulnerable to illnesses due to her age, has been suffering in remand.

Ms Ongwena had ten children; all of who have died except two.

The case will be heard on February 24, 2016. For now Migori Prisons will remain a home for the 87-year-old until the final judgment is delivered at the Rongo Senior Magistrate’s Court.

By Kassim Adinasi