By Andrew Kariuki
The Chuka Law Courts have sentenced a man to life imprisonment after convicting him of defiling an 11 year old minor.
The sentence was delivered on February 9 after the court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Evidence presented during trial established that on the night of the incident, the complainant’s mother had left the minor and her younger siblings at home and spent the night at Kaanwa Market due to heavy rainfall.
Taking advantage of the situation, the accused, a neighbour known to the complainant, unlawfully entered the house.
The court heard that he had concealed part of his face with a scarf and was armed with a knife.
He threatened the minor to prevent her from raising an alarm.
The accused then forced the child out of the house and took her to a nearby maize plantation, where he committed the offence.
Afterward, he escorted her back home.
The court was told that the accused remained at the residence for some time and later left.
At the time of the incident, the complainant was in the company of her younger brothers, who are also minors.
In its judgment, the court found that the evidence on record, including witness testimony and supporting exhibits, sufficiently established the elements of the offence.
Upon conviction, the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment as provided under the law for defilement of a minor of that age.
The case was prosecuted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Mary Gakuo.
