A sad love story moved a Meru magistrate leading him to free a free a single mother who was charged with preparing food in unsanitary conditions.
Josey Karendi emotionally shared her sad love story before Meru Resident Magistrate Edward Tsimonjero which led her to sell chips on the roadside on the outskirts of Meru town.
Speaking through her tears, the single mother narrated to the court on how she fell in love with the man she thought she’d grow old with, only for him to leave when she needed him the most.
The love of her life and provider walked away the moment she informed him she was with child, and never looked back.
“Tulikuwa tunakaa na yeye lakini wakati nilipata boli akaniwacha na sijawahi muona tangu wakati huo (We used to live together but he ran away as soon as I told him I was pregnant, I have never seen or heard from him since),” she told the court while battling tears.
Carrying her five-month daughter on her back in court, the woman in her mid-20s said selling food by the roadside was her only way of earning a living.
The magistrate said the circumstances that led her to commit the crime were touching and set her free, but urged her to improve the hygiene at her place of work.
“We have listened to your mitigation and the circumstances under which the offence was committed. Consequently, the accused is discharged 35 (1) of the penal code. You must strive to maintain high standards of hygiene,” said Mr Tsimonjero.
