Man handed life sentence for defiling minor in Chuka

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a conviction and life imprisonment sentence in a defilement case involving an 11-year-old girl at the Chuka Law Courts.

In a statement, the ODPP said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading the court to find the accused guilty as charged and impose the maximum penalty provided by law.

“The prosecution today secured a conviction and a sentence of life imprisonment in a defilement case involving an 11-year-old minor in Chuka Law Courts,” the ODPP said.

Evidence presented before the court established that on the night of the incident, the complainant’s mother left the minor and her younger siblings alone at home and went to Kaanwa Market, where she spent the night at her boyfriend’s residence during a heavy downpour.

Taking advantage of the circumstances, the accused, a neighbour known to the complainant, unlawfully broke into the house while disguised and armed with a knife.

“Taking advantage of the prevailing circumstances, the accused person, a neighbour well known to the complainant, unlawfully broke into the complainant's house. He had disguised himself by covering his head and shoulders with a scarf and was armed with a knife,” the ODPP stated.

The accused threatened to kill the complainant should she scream or raise any alarm. The accused then forcibly removed the minor from the house and escorted her to a nearby maize plantation, where he defiled her.

After committing the offence, the accused escorted the complainant back to her home. Upon returning to the house, the accused demanded that the complainant prepare and serve him food.

ODPP said that after eating, the accused left the complainant's residence. At all material times, the complainant was in the company of her younger brothers, who were also minors.

Upon careful evaluation of the evidence tendered, the court found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced him to life imprisonment in accordance with the law.

The matter was prosecuted by the Principal Prosecution Counsel, Ms. Mary Gakuo.

On January 5, the Kajiado court sentenced a man to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of defiling an 11-year-old boy.

Principal Magistrate V. Kachuodho delivered the judgment, ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court found that the offence occurred in 2022, when the accused allegedly lured the child from his home under false pretenses.

During the trial, the minor testified before the court, describing how he was isolated and threatened during the incident.

The court, in its sentencing remarks, noted that the offence involved a vulnerable child and involved intimidation, which it considered aggravating factors under the law.

The prosecution, led by Linda Nzioka, called five witnesses.

The court found their evidence to be consistent and credible, forming the basis of the conviction.