Father alleged to have killed son over Sh500 denies murder charge

John Khatera, when he appeared before Hugh Court Judge Jesse Njagi to answer to the charge of murder. [Jack Murima/Standard]

A man, 44 was today charged with killing his own son after alleging he stole Sh500 from the house.

John Khatera was accused of killing Robinson Lisangale, his third born son on April 11 at their Yonangu Village, Kakamega Central District.

According to documents tendered in court and supplied to the defense, Khatera and his family had gone to register for Huduma Namba at the area Chief’s office leaving the deceased behind.

After registering, they returned to the house and found Lisangale playing with his peers.

Khatera is said to have claimed he could not trace his Sh500 he had left in the house hence summoning the  boy and forcing him to produce the money or else he disciplines him.

The wife, Naomi Enyanji who had been at a nearby shop is said to have found the boy lying unconscious in their bedroom and Khatera standing beside him.

He claimed Lisangare had fallen from the bed while trying to free the beating for the loss of money.

They tried to give him first aid and rushed him to Kakamega County General Hospital where he died while being attended to.

Pathological tests conducted by Kakamega’s Chief Pathologist Dixon Mchana revealed that Lisangare died out of severe head injury secondary to blunt force trauma, following an assault.

The matter was reported at Kakamega Police Station where officers were dispatched to the scene of crime as investigations commenced. Khatera was remanded to enable the process be concluded.

The matter shall see the wife testify against his husband after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) listed her as a key witness.

The accused denied the capital charge when he appeared before Kakamega High Court Judge Jesse Njagi.

Through lawyer Susy Rauto, the accused pleaded for lenient bond terms saying he is not a fright risk and that he is willing to attend court whenever required.

He was granted Sh500,000 bond with a surety of similar amount.

The matter shall be heard on May 27.