[2016] KEHC 6015 (KLR)
The court found that both the accused and the deceased were intoxicated at the time of the offence, and the fatal act occurred during a heated argument. The accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea bargain, demonstrated remorse, and had no prior criminal record. The probation officer's report recommended...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2016] KEHC 6015 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Republic; Defendant: James Lekakeny Barng'etuny
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Kisii
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case 8 of 2015
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Case / Sentencing
- Outcome
- Accused sentenced to 3 years non-custodial sentence under probation supervision.
- Judges
- WA Okwany
- Legal Topics
- Manslaughter, Plea Bargain, Sentencing Principles, Mitigation, Probation, Intoxication
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Applicant
James Lekakeny Barng'etuny
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Sentencing
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the accused is guilty of manslaughter as per the plea bargain agreement.
- 2 What is the appropriate sentence for the accused considering the circumstances and mitigation.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that both the accused and the deceased were intoxicated at the time of the offence, and the fatal act occurred during a heated argument. The accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea bargain, demonstrated remorse, and had no prior criminal record. The probation officer's report recommended a non-custodial sentence, noting community and family willingness to accept the accused back. The court considered the period already spent in custody as sufficient punishment and determined that a non-custodial sentence with probation supervision was appropriate, balancing the need for accountability with rehabilitation and reintegration.
Court Disposition
Accused sentenced to 3 years non-custodial sentence under probation supervision.
Orders
- The accused is sentenced to 3 years non-custodial sentence under the supervision of the area Probation Officer.
- The period already spent in custody is considered sufficient punishment.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
23 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT KISII
CRIMINAL CASE NO.08 OF 2015
REPUBLIC…..……………………………………………….PROSECUTOR
VERSUS
JAMES LEKAKENY BARNGETUNY……………………………ACCUSED
SENTENCE
1. The accused person herein JAMES LEKAKENY BARNGETUNY was initially charged with the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code. By a plea bargain agreement entered into between the accused and the state on 23rd February, 2016, the said charge of murder was reduced to that of manslaughter contrary to Section 202 as read with Section 205 of the Penal Code.
2. It is alleged that on 3rd December, 2009 at Bongonta village Ikorongo Location in Masaba South District within Kisii County, the accused unlawfully caused the death of EVANS OIRA MATUNDURA.
3. The deceased herein, who was the Assistant Chief of Riamichoki Sub-Location, on the material day engaged in an argument with the accused at a changaa drinking den and in the course a heated exchange, the accused drew a knife from his belt and stabbed the deceased thereby causing him fatal injuries that resulted in his instant death.
4. In mitigation, Mr. Okenye for the accused submitted that he was a young man aged 26 years, he was remorseful and pleaded for leniency. Mr. Okenye added that the drunken state of the accused was to blame for his irrational act of stabbing the deceased which act the accused deeply regretted. Mr. Okenye added that the accused was married with 2 children.
5. The Probation officer’s pre-sentencing and victim impact assessment report filed in court on 10th March, 2016 favoured a non-custodial sentence for accused. The Probation Officer noted that the accused was a first offender and that members of his family and community were willing to accept him back in their midst.
6. I have noted the circumstances that led to the commission of the offence of manslaughter. It is quite clear to me that both the deceased and the accused were intoxicated having been in a changaa den at the time of the incident.
7. I have taken due consideration of the mitigation tendered on behalf of the accused by Mr. Okenye, the Probation Officer’s report and the fact that the accused has been in custody since March, 2015 while awaiting his trial. I am certain that the time the accused has stayed in custody will serve as adequate lesson to him to tame his tempter and keep of violent confrontations. I also note the probation officers report to the effect that both the accused person and his wife are ailing from HIV related complications
8. Consequently, I hereby sentence the accused herein to 3 years non custodial sentence during which period he will be supervised by the Probation Officer of his area.
9. It is so ordered.
Dated, signed and delivered in open court this 24th day of March, 2016
HON. W. OKWANY
JUDGE
In the presence of:
Mr. Otieno for the State
N/A Mr. Okenye for the Accused
Omwoyo- court clerk