A man in West Pokot County has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for chopping off his neighbour’s hand during an argument over a missing basin. 

This was after the complainant accused his neighbour of stealing a basin.

Jonathan Mnangat was charged at the Kapenguria law courts with causing grievous harm to Cosmas Kapkama on January 14, 2024.

According to the court papers, the incident occurred at Safari Hotel Village at Kaprom sub-location, Kapkoris location.

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However on Monday January 22, Mnangat pleaded guilty when he appeared before Kapenguria Principal Magistrate, Stellah Telewa.

During the hearing of the case, the court was told that the incident occurred when Kapkama accused Mnangat of stealing and attempting to sell his basin. 

Mnangat noted that he was annoyed with the false accusation since he did not steal the basin. 

On his part, the accused accused Kapkama of not listening to him, as he cut off his hand with a panga. 

At the same time, photos of the hand that was cut and a P3 form were presented in court as exhibits for the case. 

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In his defence, the offender pleaded for forgiveness, arguing that it was his first time to commit the crime.

Mnangat was granted 14 days to file an appeal against the court decision.