Man in wife’s hands chopping case denied bond

A Machakos Court on Wednesday denied a man arrested in connection with allegations of assaulting his wife bond for the second time.

34-year-old Stephen Nthenge Ngila, who is being charged for attempted murder, is accused of allegedly chopping off his wife’s hands on July 31st, 2016 in Kathama , Machakos County after accusing her of being barren. He has, however, denied the charges.

In his ruling, Machakos Senior Resident Magistrate, Kipkurui Kibellion, said that the current tension on the ground in Machakos poses a security risk to the accused hence directing that he remain in custody.

Kibellion added that the prosecution feared that Nthenge would interfere with the case because both the accused and the complainant hail from the same locality in Mwala.

The prosecution, according to the Magistrate, argued that the victim is still traumatized and undergoing counseling.

The court, however, gave the accused 14 days to file an appeal against the ruling.

Through his lawyer, Moses Kamolo, Nthenge expressed disappointment in the court’s ruling saying that every Kenyan had a right to be granted bond.

A distraught, Jackline Mwende, whose hands were chopped off has since moved to her parent’s home.

Mwende, in an earlier interview, said that she has since forgiven her husband but was quick to add that he should not be released as she fears for her life, urging that the law takes its course.

The hearing is now set for the 20^th of September 2016 while the mention is set for the 23^rd of August 2016.

Reporting by Enock Muswii