A Kibera court has handed a man a 20-year prison sentence after finding him guilty of defiling a 15-year-old girl. The ruling came after the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence proving that the accused committed the offence while the girl’s mother was away working.
The Principal Magistrate, in delivering the judgment, emphasized the serious nature of the crime and the lasting emotional and psychological harm inflicted on the young victim. The court noted that the evidence presented, including testimony from six witnesses, conclusively linked the accused to the offence. The witnesses detailed how the man took advantage of the minor’s vulnerability in her mother’s absence to commit the act.
According to court proceedings, the accused had been released on bond during the trial but absconded in February 2024, disrupting the judicial process and delaying the final verdict. He was later re-arrested and brought back to court to face justice. The magistrate criticized the accused’s conduct, stating that his attempt to evade justice demonstrated a lack of remorse and an intention to obstruct the legal process.
In her remarks, the magistrate underlined the importance of protecting minors from sexual predators and the need for severe punishment to deter similar crimes. She described the circumstances surrounding the offence as predatory, noting that the victim’s tender age made her particularly defenseless against exploitation.
The 20-year sentence, the court stated, is meant not only to deliver justice to the victim and her family but also to send a strong warning to individuals who target children. The judgment reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding children’s rights and ensuring that sexual offences against minors are met with firm legal consequences.
Child protection advocates have consistently called for stricter enforcement of laws against sexual offences, citing the rise in reported cases involving minors. The ruling serves as a reminder that the justice system remains vigilant in addressing crimes that undermine the safety and dignity of children.
The convict was escorted to prison immediately after sentencing to begin serving his term. The court also directed that the victim receive counseling and psychosocial support to aid in her recovery and rehabilitation following the traumatic experience.
