A woman and her son have been arraigned before the Kisumu High Court in a case where they are accused of assault.
Pamella Ochieng, and her son Amel Ochieng, allegedly commited the offence in December 2012 in Kisumu county. They once again pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A witness testifying in the case told the court that Ms Ochieng got into an argument with her neighbour, June Akinyi over an unknown issue which led to a confrontation. The neighbour, in her defence, then used a knife she was carrying in her pocket to attack Ms Ochieng injuring her in the process.
According to eyewitness accounts, an agitated Ms Ochieng called her son and asked him to bring a ‘panga’ that she used to attack the neighbour. The court heard that she also threatened to torch the house of her assailant with the children inside. On hearing the threat, Ms June Akinyi rushed towards her house to move her children to safety due to the threat issued by Ms Ochieng who was pursuing her.
The son responded to her mother’s call and brought the panga used to attack Ms Akinyi and seriously injuring her in the back and head. The victim was rushed to the Aga Khan hospital in Kisumu where she was hospitalised for four days before being transferred to Nyabondo Hospital where she spent four-and-half months.
However, there was drama in the court room when Ms Ochieng sensationally claimed that the testifying police officer who was handling the investigation had been bribed to frame her, an allegation the officer denied.
In her defence Ms Ochieng said she had also been injured on the arm and she was just reacting in the manner a person in her position would. She added that her son should be set free for he had not committed any serious offence, a request that was dismissed by the court.
Presiding Magistrate Thomas Obutu adjourned the case until October 30 when the two accused will be required to defend themselves before a ruling is made.