It’s 10 months in prison for woman who bit mother-in-law’s finger

It is ten months in prison for a Mercy Ariero who fought and bit her mother-in-law’s finger “for no good reason”.

Ariero pleaded guilty to biting Leonida Amuoka’s right finger on February 25 at their Shimanyiro home in Shinyalu, Kakamega, occasioning her grievous harm.

According to the prosecution, Ariero stormed her mother-in-law’s house and started calling her a witch and prostitute. The complainant inquired why she was being abused but Ariero became violent.


Mercy Ariero who bit her mother-n-law’s small finger

“The accused jumped on her, got hold of her right hand and bit her little finger thereby breaking it. She screamed and was rescued by other family members,” said State Prosecutor Joan Tarus.

Leonida reported the matter to the area chief who advised her to seek medical attention.

“The complainant was taken to Shisero Health Centre, where the finger was found to have completely broken and needed an amputation, which was done. After the treatment, she reported the matter at Malaika Police Station where the accused was arrested,” said the Prosecutor.

Ariero pleaded guilty to both the charges. A P3 Form and treatment notes were produced as prosecution exhibits to confirm that the complainant was attended to at the facility.

In mitigation, Ariero told Kakamega Resident Magistrate William Lopokoiyit that she was remorseful for her actions.

Out of court settlement

“The complainant is my mother-in-law. I pray that this court be pleased to order the matter be settled outside court by family members,” Ariero told the court.

The prosecutor asked the magistrate to treat her as a first time offender. However, Lopokoiyit said the offence required a punitive sentence.

“I have considered the accused person’s mitigation and the prosecutions submission that she is a first time offender. She is however sentenced to ten months imprisonment,” said the Magistrate without giving the option of a fine.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *