Woman sentenced over child theft in love triangle dispute
Crime and Justice
By
Joackim Bwana
| Apr 25, 2026
[Joackim Bwana,Standard]
A 26-year-old woman who stole an infant from another woman entangled in a love triangle involving her estranged husband has been sentenced to three years in jail.
Asha Wanyonyi pleaded guilty twice before Principal Magistrate Jamlick Murithi despite being warned by the court on the consequences. She was charged with child stealing contrary to Section 174(1)(a) of the Penal Code.
In her defence, Wanyonyi admitted committing the offence out of jealousy over her husband’s extramarital relationship with the child’s mother.
“She said her action was to disrupt the affair and assert control over the emotionally strained situation as alleged herein.”
Prosecution Counsel Martin Mbote told the court that Wanyonyi stole the minor with intent to deprive Mispher Chepkenoi of her lawful guardianship on March 20, 2026, at the Soweto/Kiwerera area in Likoni Sub-county, Mombasa.
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According to a probation report presented in court, the love triangle between Wanyonyi, her estranged husband, and Chepkenoi created prolonged emotional tension that culminated in the offence.
The court heard that Wanyonyi waited for Chepkenoi to leave for work and left the child under the care of a grandmother before carrying out the theft.
Mbote said, “She quickly retreated to her house, packed her belongings and crossed the Likoni ferry before boarding a western Kenya-bound bus, with Bungoma being her ultimate destination.”
Along the journey, she texted the child’s mother informing her of the abduction. Chepkenoi, who was left traumatised, reported the matter at Likoni Police Station. Wanyonyi was later traced by detectives in Bungoma where she was found with the minor.
In mitigation, she expressed remorse, citing anger and bitterness arising from the love triangle.
The probation report noted that the matter involved a prolonged two-year love triangle driven by extramarital relations and provocation.
In sentencing, the court observed rising cases of child theft in Mombasa and imposed a custodial sentence for deterrence.