Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Defiling 15-Year-Old Girl in Kibera.
The court also noted that the accused had been released on bond at the hearing but later went into hiding in February 2024.
In her absence, the accused is alleged to have exploited the girl and committed the unlawful act. Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
The man was given 20 years in prison by a Kibera court after being found guilty of defiling a 15-year-old girl. Principal Magistrate Murage issued the sentence, further stating that the prosecution had been in a position to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt with credible witness testimony and sound evidence.
The court was informed that the incident occurred when the mother of the minor had gone out to do casual work for a living to support her family. In her absence, the accused is alleged to have exploited the girl and committed the unlawful act.
According to a release by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the conviction was due to an immaculately choreographed prosecution by Michael Mutune. Mutune called six witnesses whose testimony thoroughly outlined how the accused exploited the vulnerability of the young girl while she was isolated.
Magistrate Murage, in delivering her judgment, referred to the case as exceedingly disturbing and highlighted the seriousness of the offence. She emphasized the victim’s tender age and the predatory nature of the accused and noted that offences of such a kind have serious effects on survivors.
The court also noted that the accused had been released on bond at the hearing but later went into hiding in February 2024, suspending the hearings and halting the provision of justice. He was subsequently rearrested and brought back to face the full extent of the law.
In her statement while pronouncing sentence, the magistrate underscored that such offenses against children are not acceptable and should be punished severely. She also stated that the 20-year prison term would not only serve as justice to the victim and her family but also as a deterrence to others who might consider targeting children.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions welcomed the court’s ruling as being a clear message that the government is serious about protecting children against sex abuse and bringing offenders to book.
The sentence is one of a series of recent ones in which courts across Kenya have issued tough sentences to convicted guilty parties found guilty of defilement and sexual assault as the authorities intensify efforts to stop gender violence and protect children’s rights.
The ruling reminds sexual violence victims that they will continue to be pursued for justice with all their might, and that lawbreakers, regardless of whatever circumstances surround them, will receive the full force of the law.
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