Eldoret School Driver Arraigned Over Defilement of 3-Year-Old Pupil
A report by the Directorate of Children Services revealed that 84 children were sexually abused between 2021 and 2022. Shockingly, over 50 similar cases have already been reported in the first two months of 2025.
Suspect in custody.
A 31-year-old school driver was on Wednesday arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts over allegations of defiling a three-year-old playgroup pupil in Uasin Gishu County.
Bernard Kipkorir appeared before Principal Magistrate Kesse Cheronoh, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of defilement and committing an indecent act with a minor. The alleged offence occurred on May 8, 2025, in the Katuiyo area of Ainabkoi Sub-County.
According to court documents, the minor, identified by the initials K.J., was reportedly defiled while in Kipkorir’s care. The incident came to light the following day when the child’s grandmother noticed the girl walking with difficulty. Upon questioning, the child allegedly named Kipkorir as the perpetrator.
The victim was first examined at a local medical facility and later referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for specialized treatment.
The case was first brought to the public’s attention by the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, which has since been actively following up on developments. The organization has been vocal in calling for justice in the matter and continues to advocate for an end to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
Kipkorir, who appeared composed during the proceedings, also faces an alternative charge under Section 11(1) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006, which criminalizes indecent acts with a child.
The prosecution opposed his request for bail, citing safety concerns due to community hostility in the area. “Releasing him at this stage may endanger his life,” the prosecutor told the court, emphasizing that emotions remained high following the incident.
The court heard that the prosecution had already provided the defense with all supporting documents, including the victim’s medical report, P3 form, and witness statements from five individuals expected to testify.
Principal Magistrate Cheronoh directed that the accused be detained at Eldoret GK Remand Prison until Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 PM, when a ruling on the bail application will be delivered.
“I direct that the accused person be escorted to Eldoret GK Remand Prison until Thursday at 2:00 PM when I will give my ruling on his application for bond,” Magistrate Cheronoh stated.
The courtroom was packed with relatives of both the victim and the accused, including the director of the private school where Kipkorir was employed.
This case highlights a broader concern over the rise in child abuse cases in Uasin Gishu County. A report by the Directorate of Children Services revealed that 84 children were sexually abused between 2021 and 2022. Shockingly, over 50 similar cases have already been reported in the first two months of 2025.
In a recent interview with Hubz Media , a local social worker warned, “Many cases go unreported or collapse due to poor investigations, especially when the perpetrators are trusted individuals or family members.”
Civil society groups, such as the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, have intensified their campaigns to protect vulnerable children and hold perpetrators accountable through both legal and public advocacy channels.
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