Walk away from abusive marriages, judge advises
Jackline Mwende whose hands were chopped off by her estranged husband Stephen Ngila Nthenge in 2016. They High Court has rejected his appeal and upheld his 30-year jail term.
The High Court has advised people to walk away from their violent partners.
While upholding the 30-year jail sentence on Stephen Ngila Nthenge, who chopped his wife’s hands off, Justice George Odunga said couples should not insist on staying on when a marriage has broken.
“The tragic events that gave rise to this case might possibly have not occurred had the couple realised in good time when to walk away,” Justice Odunga said.
Stephen Ngila Nthenge, who chopped off his wife's hands following a domestic dispute.
“There is no heroism in having a lunch date with death. One should know when to walk away and when to run. While there are options available in such circumstance, violence is not one of them.”
Estranged wife
Nthenge attacked his estranged wife Jackline Mwende with a panga in 2016.
The court said the appeal lacked merit though it added that there were inconsistencies in some witnesses’ statements.
Justice Odunga told Nthenge that the charge he faced carried a maximum sentence of life in prison. Nthenge had said the punishment was excessive and that he was a first offender.
“Even if this court were minded to impose a less term, it does not justify interference with the sentence imposed by the trial court,” the judge added.
