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, Migori County. The incident occurred on the night of March 28, 2024, at around 10:00 p.m. in Matofali village, Rongo Sub County.
The court heard that the convict, Fredrick Ojwang, attacked the woman and subjected her to both physical and sexual violence. He was handed 10 years for the offence of rape and an additional five years for assault causing actual bodily harm. The sentences will run consecutively.
The judgment was delivered following a comprehensive hearing in which the prosecution presented four witnesses. One of the key witnesses testified that he was passing through the Matofali area at around 11:00 p.m. when he saw a stationary motorcycle near a bush. On closer inspection, he observed two people on the ground and heard a woman screaming for help. He then turned off his own motorcycle and approached cautiously before realizing the gravity of the situation.
Medical reports submitted to the court confirmed that penetration had occurred, and the findings aligned with the victim’s detailed and coherent testimony. The court found her account credible and consistent, reinforcing the prosecution’s case.
In delivering her judgment, the presiding magistrate emphasized that the evidence presented had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. She noted that both the oral testimony and medical documentation supported the charges of rape and assault.
The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence, particularly in rural communities where such crimes often go underreported. The ruling also serves as a warning to perpetrators that the law will take its full course when such heinous acts are committed.
Authorities have urged community members to remain vigilant and report similar incidents to help combat sexual and physical violence. The conviction also underscores the critical role of witness cooperation and forensic evidence in ensuring successful prosecution of such cases.
