Mother who poisoned children to save marriage sentenced to 8 years

A woman has been sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting to poisoning her two children leading to the death of one in 2013.

Naomi Wamaitha Njeri, was initially charged with killing baby Peninah Wanjiru Mwangi on March 26, 2013 at Karoha village, Kiambu County.

The accused had earlier denied the charge but after testimonies by four prosecution witnesses, in 2017, the prosecution and defence entered into a plea-bargain agreement which saw the charges reduced to manslaughter.

Thereafter the accused pleaded guilty and was convicted on her own plea of guilt.

In the case, the court heard how the accused, while working as a house help in Buruburu estate, met a man who was a handcart pusher and lived with him as a husband.

They got two children but later fell out and she abandoned the man with the children.

Wamaitha’s former husband however neglected the children who ended up in the streets before they were rescued and handed over to her.

The mother had since secured another job as house help in Eastleigh and was in a relationship with a matatu driver with whom they lived together.

Since she had not disclosed to him that she had children, the man kicked them out and an attempt by the mother to get some placement for her children hit a wall.

According to the accused, desperation brought forth thoughts of ending her life together that of her children who had now become a stumbling block.

It was then that she decided to serve them with tea mixed with organophosphorus pesticide which is poisonous, leading to death of the baby girl and subsequent hospitalisation of her brother, who is currently admitted to a children’s home.

In mitigation, the accused told the court that she was remorseful.

In his ruling, Justice James Wakiaga noted that rehabilitation was the best sentence to the convict.

“I am of the considered view that sentence of 8 years be served as follows: 5 years imprisonment from 2013 when the convict first appeared in court to date; 3 years thereafter on probation to continue with rehabilitation programs.” ruled the judge.