A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment in Bungoma County after being found guilty of defiling a four-year-old girl in December 2024.
According to court proceedings, the man, identified as Job Wafula Lukhale, lured the minor before being discovered in a thicket with her at Myanga village. Three witnesses positively identified him at the scene, providing crucial evidence that linked him directly to the crime.
The court was told that the young girl endured not only physical harm but also lasting psychological and emotional trauma. A pre-sentencing report revealed that the ordeal left the victim with severe emotional scars and abdominal complications that continue to affect her daily life. The child’s mother also shared her distress, explaining how the incident has haunted her daughter and disrupted her normal development.
Senior Resident Magistrate M.A. Onyango, who presided over the case, ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven all three legal ingredients of defilement. In delivering judgment, the magistrate noted that the weight of the evidence left no doubt about the accused’s guilt. As a result, he was handed a life sentence, the maximum penalty for defilement under Kenyan law.
The ruling has been seen as an important step in the fight against sexual violence, particularly crimes targeting children. Defilement remains a deeply troubling issue in many parts of the country, with reports showing that victims often suffer lifelong consequences, while offenders sometimes evade justice due to lack of evidence or intimidation of witnesses.
The life sentence handed down in Bungoma sends a strong message that the justice system will act firmly to protect minors and punish perpetrators of sexual violence. It also highlights the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting of such crimes to authorities, as witness testimonies played a decisive role in securing the conviction.
This case underscores the need for continuous awareness and education on child protection, alongside stronger support systems for victims and their families. Community members, schools, and law enforcement agencies are urged to collaborate in ensuring children’s safety and in preventing similar incidents in the future.
