Kakamega man sentenced to life in prison for defiling 10-year-old girl

• The court heard that the man repeatedly sexually abused the child over a prolonged period, while threatening and intimidating her to keep her from disclosing the abuse.

File image of a judge's gavel. PHOTO|COURTESY

By Terry Karanja

A Kakamega man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) secured a conviction against him for defiling a 10-year-old girl.

The court heard that the man repeatedly sexually abused the child over a prolonged period, while threatening and intimidating her to keep her from disclosing the abuse.

According to the DPP, the matter only came to light after the child's mother grew suspicious and questioned her daughter, prompting a report to police and a subsequent medical examination.

Prosecution Counsel Stephanie Akinyi led the case, presenting testimonial and medical evidence that corroborated the child's account and established all the essential elements of the offence beyond reasonable doubt.

Resident Magistrate Hon. D.K. Wambua found the accused guilty of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act, No. 3 of 2006, before handing down the life sentence.

The convict has 14 days to appeal the ruling.