By Michelle Ndaga
A farmer from Rojorojo, Kilifi County, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of defiling his 14-year-old daughter.
The man was convicted under Section 201(1) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006, following a prosecution led by State Counsel Nancy Njeru. He also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child under Section 11(1) of the same law.
Court records revealed that the abuse occurred between September and October 15, 2023, during which the accused repeatedly threatened to harm his daughter if she exposed the ordeal.
The case came to light after the minor bravely wrote a letter to her headteacher, who immediately intervened and alerted the police.
The Prosecution presented five witnesses whose testimony corroborated the victim’s account.
Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike ruled that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, citing evidence of penetration, confirmation of the victim’s age, and clear identification of the perpetrator.
In her judgment, Magistrate Wasike said the defense mounted by the accused was insufficient to counter the strong case against him. She further emphasized that the 15-year sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who may prey on minors.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) welcomed the ruling, underscoring its commitment to securing justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
