Convict takes poison inside court

By PAUL MUTUA

KITUI, KENYA: A life imprisonment convict took livestock medicine for worms and acid immediately the sentence was passed in an attempt to commit suicide at the Kitui law court.

Ismael Paul Tito had earlier stood composed in the dock as Kitui Principal Magistrate Beatrice Kimemia read out the life sentence against him.

Ismael who faced two counts of defilement and indecent assault to two minor girls aged 9 and 6 years collapsed in the court cells after allegedly producing poisonous substances from his pockets and drunk them.

The court premises was thrown into confusion as court orderlies tried to come into terms with the unfolding drama before the convict was removed and taken to Kituyi District Hospital. Ismael was out on a Sh100,000 bond during the trial.

A physician at the hospital Dr John Muigai confirmed that Ismael was brought to the institution by police and prison wardens, and was admitted in ward 6.

Dr Muigai said the patient’s condition was stable and improving. “He confessed to us to have taken some livestock medicaine for worms and acid,” said the physician.

The cour had found the convict guilty of defiling a 9-year old girl at Kitui stadium on diverse dates between June 10 and July 2, 2010.

The second count stated that on the material date and place, Isamael indecently assaulted another girl aged 6 years by touching her private parts.

Magistrate Kimemia said in her judgment “In the circumstances and in totality of evidence adduced, I find it well collaborated and behold reasonable doubt. I find the accused guilty as charged.”

The magistrate ordered Ishmael to serve life sentence in court one and 12 years in count two.

Kimemia recounted the complainants’ evidence, medical examination reports and other witnesses and ruled that the accused deserved a deterrent punishment.

pmutua@standardmedia.co.ke