Suspects charged with attempted murder in Baby Sagini’s case took a new plea on Thursday, February 2, after the charges against them were changed to causing grievous harm to the minor.
The three took fresh pleas after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requested for the amendment of the charges.
The suspects who were accused of gouging out the eyes of baby Junior Sagini, appeared before Kisii Law Courts and pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Hillary Kaino stated that the evidence gathered was sufficient for the accused persons to be charged with grievous harm and not attempted murder.
"The facts as they stand now clearly support a charge of grievous harm. I have a substituted charge dated February 2, 2023, with me," Kaino explained.
The court agreed to the application of amendment of the charges, adding that the suspects had a right to be legally represented.
“It is critical that they have legal representation to ensure that they understand the court proceedings and other requirements," Kaino stated.
Owing to the struggle the accused could go through during the proceedings, the court appointed lawyers Kerosi and Moguche to represent them.
The three first appeared before Magistrate Christine Ogweno at the Kisii Law Courts in January 18, when they were charged with attempted murder.
In December 2022, Sagini was found dumped in a maize plantation in Kisii County with his eyes gouged out.
Sagini’s grandmother, who was living with him when the attack happened, accused her daughter-in-law of causing harm to the three-year-old in a statement on December 22, 2023.
The court ruled that the hearing of the case would be in February 24, 2023, and March 3, 2023.
