Two young women accused of kidnapping two children in Eldoret have now expressed their willingness to enter a plea bargain with the victims’ mother, following their confession to the crime. The accused, 23-year-old Susan Njogi, a former beauty college student, and 22-year-old Lucy Ndeda, made their appeal before Presiding Magistrate Nancy Barasa, asking for leniency in sentencing.
The duo is facing serious charges of kidnapping a three-year-old girl, MN, and her ten-year-old sister, DW, in a case that shocked residents of Eldoret West. The offence, committed on May 27, 2024, occurred in the Turbo area of Uasin Gishu County. According to court documents, the accused abducted the children from their home compound while their mother, identified as GN, had stepped out to a nearby shop.
In addition to the kidnapping charges, Njogi and Ndeda are also charged with demanding a ransom of Ksh.1 million with threats of harm. It is alleged that they called the mother and threatened to sell the children if she failed to pay the ransom. The case falls under Section 255 as read with Section 257 of the Penal Code, which deals with kidnapping and related offences.
Following the incident, a police manhunt was launched, and the suspects were eventually found with the children at a hideout within Eldoret Town. The children were rescued unharmed and reunited with their mother. The accused were later released on a Ksh.300,000 bond each.
Now, the accused hope to settle the matter through a plea agreement, which would see them admit guilt in exchange for a more lenient sentence. The court, however, is awaiting a probation officer’s report, which will play a crucial role in determining the next steps.
Magistrate Barasa scheduled the next hearing for April 28, 2025, when the court is expected to receive and consider the probation officer’s findings before deciding on the plea bargain request.
The case has drawn public interest, with many calling for justice to be served for the trauma inflicted on the young victims and their family.
