A Nairobi Court has convicted former Mama Lucy Hospital social worker Fred Leparan accused of child trafficking at the Hospital two years ago after a Whistleblower from BBC exposed the crime.
Milimani senior principal magistrate Esther Kimilu found that the prosecution proved elements of conspiracy against Leparan.
In her judgment delivered on Wednesday morning, the magistrate said the prosecution proved that Leparan held three meetings and the court concluded that the discussion in the meetings was for the sale of a child.
“My determination is that the first accused (Leparan) is guilty of Conspiracy to commit a felony and count two of trafficking persons”, the magistrate ruled.
The second accused Selina Adundo Awuor was, however, acquitted on the two counts as she was not mentioned in any of the footage.
Adundo and Leparan were convicted on count three of the charge of negligence.
The magistrate said that there was evidence that the office of the medical social worker at Mama Lucy Hospital did not inform Embakasi Children’s Home about the stolen babies.
She noted that a witness from Embakasi denied having been informed about the three abandoned children.
“In the normal process, the children home are supposed to be informed of any children being abandoned or received at the facility,” the magistrate said.
Leparan was also found to have abused his office by handing the children to persons who were not authorised.
It showed clearly that he was involved in the fraud of children and trafficking of the same.
The defence lawyer Danstan Omari requested the court for a presentence bail and probation report and for extension of existing bail/bond terms for the accused persons until sentencing.
The prosecution, however, opposed to application and prayed for the closest date for mitigation and sentencing.
The court declined to extend the accused person’s presentence bail.
Leparan and Adundo have been remanded to the Industrial area and Langata Women’s Prison respectively.
