A boda boda rider has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of raping and assaulting a 50-year-old woman in Rongo Sub County, Migori County.
Fredrick Ojwang was convicted and sentenced on Thursday by Rongo Principal Magistrate Susan Mutava for the heinous act, which occurred on the night of March 28, 2024, at around 10:00pm in Matufali village. The magistrate handed Ojwang 10 years for the rape charge and an additional five years for assault causing actual bodily harm.
In her ruling, Magistrate Mutava stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. “Considering the evidence on record vis-à-vis the relevant provisions of the law and principles set through precedent, the prosecution’s case has been proven beyond reasonable doubt, and as such, the accused person is convicted for the offence of rape,” she ruled.
“I equally convict the accused person of the offence of assault causing actual bodily harm,” she added.
The prosecution presented four witnesses during the trial. One of the witnesses testified that he was passing near the scene at around 11:00pm when he spotted a parked motorcycle near a bushy area in Matofali. Upon switching off his own motorcycle, he heard a woman screaming for help. He then saw two individuals on the ground, prompting him to raise the alarm and alert the authorities.
The victim, who testified in court, was praised by the magistrate for her clear and consistent account of the events. Her testimony was corroborated by medical reports submitted as evidence, which confirmed that she had suffered sexual assault and physical injuries consistent with her account.
The conviction and sentencing have been welcomed by local residents and women’s rights groups, who praised the court for delivering justice and setting an example that violence against women will not be tolerated.
Authorities have urged victims of gender-based violence to report such cases promptly and assured the public of ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable members of society.
