The Kwale Law Courts sentenced Leli Ngao to 15 years for grievous harm.
A Kwale court convicted Leli Ngao of grievous harm after he attacked his wife over his inability to raise dowry.
A Kwale man jailed for attacking his wife with a machete will serve 15 years in prison. Senior Resident Magistrate Joy Mutimba convicted 35-year-old Leli Ngao of grievous harm at the Kwale Law Courts.
The court found that prosecutors proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt. In sentencing Ngao, Mutimba cited the severity of Milongo Piru’s injuries, his use of a machete and the attack on his wife.
Attack followed church service in Kinango
The court heard that Ngao attacked Piru at Nyango Village in Kinango Sub-County on April 28, 2024. The couple had attended a church service shortly before the assault.
Afterwards, Piru crossed the road to fetch water from a church member’s house. Ngao followed her while carrying their 19-month-old child and called her outside for a conversation.
He told Piru he could not afford the dowry required to take her back home. The court heard that he then threatened to kill her instead.
Ngao drew a machete concealed around his waist and struck Piru twice on her left hand. She screamed for help and, while struggling to escape, dropped the child.
Piru also suffered injuries to her right palm as she tried to block the weapon. Ngao then cut her on the head as she fled.
Kwale man jailed after five witnesses testify
Ngao fled into the wilderness after the attack, leaving Piru seriously injured. Meanwhile, her mother and other church members responded to her cries and rushed her to hospital. She spent two weeks there receiving treatment.
On January 18, 2025, Ngao resurfaced, and police officers on patrol rescued him from an angry mob. They then handed him over to Kilubasi Police Post, where police wanted him over the assault.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Collins Orwa and Prosecution Counsel Angela Asiago presented five witnesses during the case. Mutimba found their evidence credible and consistent, establishing the charge of grievous harm against Ngao.
