By P, KNA
A Murang’a man who viciously assaulted his wife with a spade following a domestic dispute over their child’s school absenteeism has been handed a one-year non-custodial sentence.
Simon Thuku was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm against his wife, Mercy Njeri Weru, after an altercation at their home on the evening of September 6, 2024.
According to court proceedings, the confrontation arose after Njeri, having been informed by the school about their child’s repeated absence, questioned Thuku regarding the issue.
He reportedly turned violent, striking her on the head with a spade while holding a panga in his other hand.
A key witness, Victoria Wanjiru, described the assault as completely unprovoked.
“Mercy only asked why the child hadn’t gone to school. That’s when he picked up a spade and hit her. He had a panga too. I was shocked because she hadn’t even spoken rudely.” Wanjiru told the court.
Another relative, who assisted Njeri in seeking medical attention, testified that she found her bleeding heavily and immediately rushed her to the hospital before reporting the matter to the police.
In his ruling Senior Resident Magistrate, Eric Analo stated: “The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused assaulted the complainant and was not justified in doing so.”
Despite the guilty verdict, the court considered a probation report presented by Officer Fredrick Kisamwa, which described Thuku as a first-time offender who had shown remorse for his actions.
Based on the report, the court opted for a non-custodial sentence. Thuku will serve one year on probation under the supervision of the Murang’a Probation Office and he has been ordered to undergo counselling and anger management therapy throughout the probation period.