Africa-Press – Kenya. Gospel artist Emmy Kosgei’s brother, Meshack Kipkoech, was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday, April 29.
The court ruled that Kipkoech was guilty of driving dangerously and causing the death of a six-year-old, Birion Kinda, on December 25, 2017, in Nakuru.
Kosgei’s sibling was accused of running over the minor who was crossing the road.
The deceased’s elder sister – who testified against Kipkoech – told the court that the driver admitted to having caused the accident and that he helped her rush the young boy to the hospital.
However, while en route to the facility, Kipkoech also hit a motorbike rider who suffered injuries on his leg.
The six-year-old boy died a few days later with doctors stating that he had sustained critical injuries.
While making his ruling, the judge noted that Kipkoech had a record of driving recklessly and causing accidents. He referred to the convict’s 2008 case where Kipkoech was ordered to compensate a family Ksh 954,000 for the death of a police officer.
He ran over the law enforcer in Baringo County while speeding on the highway. The court then pardoned him and lifted a jail sentence after he compensated the deceased’s mother.
Kipkoech had been directed to raise the money within 10 days or risk being convicted.
“Consequently and noting that the accused had previous records of causing death by dangerous driving, I sentence the accused to five years imprisonment.
“In addition and pursuant to Section 76(1) (a) of the Traffic Act part VIII, I cancel his driving licence and declare him disqualified from obtaining another one for a period of 10 years,” the judge ruled on Thursday, April 29.
