Eldoret Court Sentences School Driver to Life Imprisonment for Defiling Three-Year-Old Pupil
“We thank the court for ensuring this matter did not drag for years. Justice has finally been delivered to the victim and her family.
Eldoret Court denies bond to school driver accused of defiling 3-year-old girl. Photo/File.
By James Gitaka, Eldoret
An Eldoret court has sentenced a 31-year-old school driver to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of defiling a three-year-old playgroup pupil who was under his care for school transportation.
Delivering the judgment, Principal Magistrate Cherono Kesse said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Bernard Kipkorir committed the offence on May 8, 2025, at Katuiyo area in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
Magistrate Kesse noted that the evidence presented, including medical reports and witness testimonies, was consistent and credible, warranting the maximum sentence provided under the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.
“The court has a duty to protect children from those who abuse positions of trust. The accused violated the innocence of a minor entrusted to his care, and such acts must be met with the full force of the law,” said Kesse while handing down the sentence.
According to court documents, the minor, identified by the initials K.J., was defiled while being transported to school. The incident came to light after the child’s grandmother noticed she was walking with difficulty and, upon inquiry, the child named Kipkorir as the perpetrator.
The victim was first examined at a local health facility before being referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret for specialized treatment.
Reacting to the judgment, Benedine Kipruto, outgoing chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network (UGCSN), lauded the court for expediting the case and ensuring justice was served.
“We thank the court for ensuring this matter did not drag for years. Justice has finally been delivered to the victim and her family. This ruling should send a strong message to would-be offenders that the law will catch up with them,” Kipruto said.
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui also commended the court’s decision, describing it as a victory for child protection and human dignity.
“Cases of sexual abuse against children are becoming alarmingly frequent in our county. We urge parents, schools, and authorities to remain vigilant and work together to create safe spaces for children,” Kirui said.
The case first drew public attention in May 2025 when the UGCSN raised concerns over increasing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in Uasin Gishu. The network has since been actively following up on the case and advocating for justice for the young victim.
In the initial stages of the trial, the prosecution successfully opposed Kipkorir’s bail application, arguing that his safety could not be guaranteed due to community outrage following the incident.
According to a report by the Directorate of Children Services, 84 children were sexually abused in Uasin Gishu between 2021 and 2022, while more than 50 cases were reported in the first two months of 2025 alone.
A social worker who spoke to Hubz Media earlier this year warned that many cases remain unresolved due to weak investigations and social stigma.
“Many cases collapse because of poor evidence collection or fear of speaking out, especially when perpetrators are trusted individuals or family members,” the social worker said.
The sentencing marks a significant milestone in the fight against child sexual abuse in Uasin Gishu, with civil society groups vowing to continue advocating for justice and stronger enforcement of child protection laws.
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