A 23-year-old man has been handed a three-decade prison term for sexually abusing a teenage boy in what the court described as a grave violation of trust.
Principal Magistrate Peter Wasike delivered the sentence at Lamu Law Courts following proceedings that revealed disturbing details of the crimes committed against the Grade 9 student.
Lukman Ismail Athman, also known as Jelal, was found guilty of defilement charges under the Sexual Offences Act.
He also faced conviction on an alternative charge of performing indecent acts with a minor. The crimes occurred over a 10-day period in November 2024 in Paradise area, Langoni Location.
The abuse came to light after the victim’s mother had provided accommodation to Athman and his visiting cousin from Somalia.
Court testimony revealed that the assault began after the cousin’s departure, when the young victim was attacked while sleeping.
The boy told the court that Athman had threatened his life to ensure his silence, and the abuse continued over multiple days.
The situation was eventually discovered when the victim’s mother became suspicious after observing Athman leaving her son’s room.
The case has had devastating consequences for the victim’s family. In emotional testimony, the mother revealed that the incident contributed to the breakdown of her marriage and has left her struggling with feelings of guilt and shame.
“I provided him shelter in our home. I placed my trust in him. Now I have lost my marriage, my peace of mind, and my child’s innocence,” the mother stated during court proceedings.
The young victim described experiencing social isolation, difficulty trusting adults, and being blamed by his mother, which has severely restricted his daily life to only school and home.
Prosecutor Idris Kipruto Tomno presented a strong case supported by testimony from nine witnesses, whose accounts corroborated the charges against the defendant.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Wasike emphasized the court’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children from predatory behavior.
“Legal protections exist specifically for our most vulnerable community members, particularly children. This court will impose the most severe penalties available against those who target them,” the magistrate declared.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about child protection in the region and the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding minors from abuse.
Written by Were Kelly
