Woman accused of killing her four children committed to mental institution

 

A woman who murdered her children has been committed to a mental institution.

Justice Richard Mwongo, who communicated his decision via video link to the suspect’s lawyer, ruled today that Beatrice Mwende (pictured), who is currently held at Naivasha Maximum Prison be transferred to Mathare Mental Hospital for treatment.

A medical report produced in court early this week showed that Mwende is unfit to stand a murder trial.

According to the report presented to a Naivasha court from Gilgil Mental Hospital where Mwende was taken for mental assessment, it revealed that she had underlying issues.

The accused, represented by advocate Francis Mburu, did not take plea after the report from Gilgil Mental Hospital said she was mentally unstable.

Prosecution counsel Alex Ndiema had told Naivasha Senior Resident Magistrate Lyna Sarapai that they were ready to charge the accused with four counts of murder. He sought orders from the court to hold the accused for two more days.

“Due to the prevailing Covid-19 conditions, the High Court will not be sitting or the next two days and we want to hold her until then before charging her with four counts of murder,” he said.

The magistrate directed that the accused be remanded in Naivasha Annex prison until Thursday (today) when she will be charged with murder.

The murdered minors were Melody Warigia (8years), Willy Macharia (6years), Samantha Njeri (4years) and Whitney Nyambura (2years).

During an emotional burial ceremony on Thursday last week, the family denied that the suspect was depressed or had any financial constraints.

The case will be mentioned on September 23 to determine progress made in the treatment.