Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Acid Attack on Girlfriend
A man, 30, who threw acid on his girlfriend’s face after she ended their brief relationship, has received a 30-year prison sentence.
Mohamed Mwarandu Kombe will serve three decades in prison for his inability to accept that Ms. Fatuma Kaingu no longer wanted a relationship with him.
Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate, Gladys Olimo, sentenced the rejected lover, stating that his actions permanently blinded Ms. Kaingu, 23.
“Ms. Kaingu will never experience sight, one of the most important senses. Her life will be deprived of seeing the world’s beauty and engaging in daily activities,” the magistrate remarked.
The magistrate ruled that Kombe’s cruel behavior drastically changed the woman’s life.
“Given these circumstances, the court agrees with the state that a strong sentence is necessary. Kombe is sentenced to 30 years in prison with a 14-day right of appeal,” Ms. Olimo stated.
In sentencing Kombe, the magistrate took into account the prosecution’s arguments and the accused’s plea for leniency due to his family status and lack of criminal record.
“Kombe may have a young family, but the severity of his actions must be considered. The complainant completely lost her eyesight as a result of his actions,” the magistrate said.
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The court acknowledged that the complainant’s account was supported by medical evidence showing her conjunctiva was damaged, red, swollen, and lacerated.
These injuries were deemed grievous bodily harm.
“Given the medical evidence and the complainant’s complete loss of eyesight, the court finds sufficient proof that her life was endangered and she suffered permanent disfigurement,” the magistrate said.
Kombe faced charges of grievous harm and malicious property damage.
The court heard that Kombe threw acid on the victim’s face, causing her permanent blindness.
He also destroyed her mobile phone valued at Sh6,000. These incidents occurred on November 15, 2021, in Tudor, Mombasa.
Ms. Kaingu worked as a house helper in the area at the time.
The court heard that on the day of the incident, Kombe followed Kaingu home and splashed acid on her face.
“Before the attack, they were in a relationship, but Maingu had ended it,” said the officer during cross-examination by state counsel Hillary Isiaho.
Kombe, upset by her decision, retaliated by harming her.
“He splashed a chemical on her face at night after encountering her,” she told the court.
However, Kombe denied harming the victim.
He claimed he used liquid soap for self-defense, as the victim had attacked him with a stone.
“It wasn’t acid, just liquid soap. The victim threw a stone at me, so I splashed water on her in self-defense,” he explained.
Kombe maintained that the victim did not suffer injuries when he left because he used non-harmful liquid soap.
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He acknowledged being with the victim on the day of the incident, trying to calm her down after their disagreement.
“The victim was unharmed when I left. We had an argument, but I did not harm her,” he clarified.
The court rejected his defense due to inconsistencies.
“Kombe’s defense contains half-truths and altered facts. I find the grievous harm offense proven beyond a reasonable doubt. He is found guilty and convicted,” said the magistrate.
Prosecutor Isiaho urged the court to impose a strict sentence to deter similar offenses, noting that the accused deprived the victim of her bodily autonomy and sight.
“We request a prison term reflecting the seriousness of the offense and the long-lasting impact on the victim,” stated the prosecutor.
Kombe asked for leniency, citing concerns for his young family.
“I married last year and have a young family with a child. I ask the court for mercy,” he pleaded.
Despite Kombe’s plea for leniency, the court insisted he must face a custodial sentence for the harm he caused.
Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Acid Attack on Girlfriend
