Eldoret Man Jailed for 35 Years for Poisoning His Two Children

By James Kamau

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a major conviction after the Eldoret High Court sentenced Musa Saka to 35 years in prison for the murder of his two young children by poisoning.

The court heard that Saka poisoned his children by serving them vegetables laced with Triatix, a chemical substance that proved fatal to two of the victims.

During the trial, the prosecution presented testimony from six witnesses and successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. Evidence revealed that, before the incident, the accused had been involved in a domestic dispute with his wife, who had left their matrimonial home, leaving their four children under his care.

On the fateful day, Saka and his children shared a meal of ugali and vegetables prepared by the eldest child before going to bed. Shortly afterwards, the children began complaining of severe stomach pains.

One of the children managed to seek help from a neighbour, who found the accused and the other children in critical condition. They were rushed to hospital, but two of the children later died from the effects of the poisoning.

A surviving child later testified in court, recounting the harrowing events that led to the deaths of their siblings.

The prosecution team, comprising Mrs. Brenda Oduor, Ms. Emma Okok, and Ms. Claire Muriithi, urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, arguing that the accused had grossly violated the trust and responsibility entrusted to him as a father. The State further maintained that the murders were premeditated and carried out in an exceptionally cruel manner, warranting a deterrent sentence.

In sentencing Musa Saka to 35 years in prison, Justice Wananda said, “The victims suffered a horrific death at the hands of the very person they looked to for protection and care.” The judge noted that the sentence was necessary to reflect the gravity of the offence and serve as a deterrent against similar crimes.

The court sentenced Musa Saka to 35 years’ imprisonment on each count, bringing to a close a tragic case that has shocked many across the country.