Two women accused of kidnapping children seek plea bargain

Court gavel. (Courtesy)

Two women accused of kidnapping two children have pleaded with the court to allow them to strike a plea bargain with the victims' mother after confessing to the offence.

Susan Njogi, a former beauty college student, and Lucy Ndeda have requested Presiding Magistrate Nancy Barasa to hand them lenient sentences, saying they are now willing to plead guilty to the charges.

"We would like to enter into an agreement with the mother of the victims in exchange for a concession from the State Counsel in relation to the charges we are facing," said Njogi.

The two are accused of kidnapping a three-year-old girl and her ten-year-old sister and demanding Sh1 million from their mother to secure their release.

According to court documents, the offence was committed on May 27, 2024 in the Eldoret West area, Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.

The women also face an additional charge of demanding Sh1 million with menaces, after allegedly threatening to sell the children if their mother failed to send the money.

Both accused have denied the charges and are currently out on bond, each having posted Sh300,000.

The children's mother had left them playing within the compound of their home while she went to a nearby shop. Upon her return, she discovered they were missing.

She immediately reported the matter to the police, who launched a search. The suspects were later found with the abducted children at their hideout within Eldoret Town.

The court is expected to deliver its decision on April 28, 2024.