Judge Urges Young Couples to Prioritize Peace Over Toxic Marriages
“If you are married and discover that the marriage is not working, do not force yourself into the union. Instead, make the choice to walk away and save yourself from the lurking danger ahead, for the sake of peace,” stated the Judge.
Dorcas Ntinyari at the Eldoret High Court after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of her estranged husband, Felix Otieno.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi has advised young couples in troubled marriages to be courageous enough to walk away from toxic relationships in the interest of peace and harmony.
Speaking in court, Justice Nyakundi emphasized that individuals should not remain in turbulent marriages that could ultimately lead to fatal consequences. Instead, he urged them to prioritize their well-being by opting out of such unions when necessary.
“If you are married and discover that the marriage is not working, do not force yourself into the union. Instead, make the choice to walk away and save yourself from the lurking danger ahead, for the sake of peace,” stated the Judge.
His remarks came during the sentencing of 25-year-old Dorcas Ntinyari, who was convicted of murdering her 30-year-old husband, Felix Otieno, following a domestic dispute. Ntinyari, a mother of two daughters aged two and six, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of her husband, a construction worker.
While delivering his verdict, Justice Nyakundi expressed deep concern over the rising cases of domestic violence across the country, terming the trend as “disturbing.”
The court heard that on November 8, 2023, at Kipkaren estate in Kapseret sub-county, Uasin Gishu County, Ntinyari stabbed her estranged husband in the chest at her sister’s house, where she had sought refuge from their troubled marriage.
According to the prosecution, the couple had spent the previous night in a heated argument before Ntinyari left for her sister’s residence. The following day, Otieno, allegedly intoxicated, followed her there and found the door locked.
Frustrated, he forced his way inside, demanding the return of some of his belongings, including a phone and sandals. After she handed them over, Otieno allegedly became aggressive and demanded more items, escalating the confrontation. It was at this point that Ntinyari rushed to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and stabbed him once in the chest, killing him instantly.
During her defense, Ntinyari, represented by lawyer Tariko Kiptoo, denied the murder charge and pleaded for leniency.
“Your Honor, I acted in self-defense after my husband attacked me at my sister’s house, where I had sought refuge from an abusive marriage,” she told the court.
Despite her plea, the court found her guilty, handing down a 35-year sentence in a ruling that serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of unresolved domestic conflicts.
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