Suspect John Njenga Kamau who was charged before court in Eldoret 
A 25-year-old man has been charged in an Eldoret court with defiling a Grade 8 learner, amid rising cases of gender-based violence targeting schoolgirls in the region.
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Human rights groups have called for urgent action to curb the trend.

The suspect, John Kamau, denied the charges when he appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Kesse Cheronoh.

He is accused of defiling the pupil on multiple dates between January 11 and 17, 2026, at D-Block area in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu county.

“It’s not true, Your Honour,” Kamau told the court. He also faces an alternative charge of indecently assaulting the learner.

According to reports, the victim’s mother discovered Kamau in one of the bedrooms in her house with the girl, while she was preparing breakfast.
The mother promptly reported the incident to Kiambaa police station, leading to Kamau’s arrest the following day. He was detained and arraigned five days later.

Kamau pleaded for cash bail, citing the risk of losing his job in Eldoret, which he relies on to support his parents. “I am praying that you grant me reasonable cash bail so I can continue taking care of my parents,” he said.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, citing the seriousness of the offense, and asked that Kamau be granted bond instead.

Magistrate Cheronoh declined the request for cash bail, setting a bond of Sh300,000. The case is scheduled for mention on February 9 for further directions.

Gender activist Jane Kangogo condemned the rising incidents of defilement against schoolgirls. “We must sensitise our communities to protect the girl child from these shameful acts,” she said, while commending the police for ensuring that reported cases reach court and victims obtain justice.
Kangogo urged parents and community members to report all cases to the authorities, noting that many incidents remain unreported.