Deya’s wife to defend herself over baby theft charge

The wife of UK-based preacher Gilbert Deya, charged with stealing a baby will defend herself on August 9, a court ruled on Monday.

Kibera senior principal magistrate Grace Nzioka said she had not gone through the submissions by the defence lawyer wanting to lead his client.

The accused had earlier been found with a case to answer.

“I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to place the accused on her defence.”

Mrs Mary Deya has denied stealing the baby boy from Kenyatta National Hospital, claiming she gave birth miraculously.

Ms Nzioka is the fifth judicial officer to try Mrs Deya over the miracle babies saga.

In her submissions after the close of the prosecution’s case, Mrs Deya asked the court to acquit her, saying none of the 14 prosecution witnesses had linked her to the theft on September 10, 2005.

Ms Hellen Wasilwa, the first trial magistrate ruled: “DNA tests prove that she had no relationship with the child.”

Others who have handled the case were chief magistrate Maureen Odero, who was elevated to the High Court and senior resident magistrate Cosmas Maundu, who is now in Isiolo as principal magistrate.

Mrs Deya is out on bond.