A man convicted of defiling a 14-year-old girl with a disability in Tinderet, Nandi County, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The sentence was secured by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) following a successful prosecution before Principal Magistrate Sylvia Ashitsa Muhanda.
The convict was found guilty of defilement, contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act.
He had also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child under Section 11(1) of the Act.
The court heard that the incident occurred on March 30, 2025, when the girl was running errands for her mother.
The accused allegedly dragged her into a milking pen, where he sexually assaulted her.
Concerned that the child was taking longer than expected to return home, her mother sent another child to look for her. The sibling later established that the girl had been seen with the accused.
Upon returning home, the minor disclosed the incident to her mother, who reported the matter to the police, leading to the suspect's arrest and prosecution.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Counsel Kaburu Perminus, called five witnesses and presented exhibits to support its case.
The court was also informed that the victim was a child with a disability who had experienced psychological and developmental challenges since she was nine months old.
After considering the evidence, Magistrate Muhanda ruled that the prosecution had proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the accused to 20 years' imprisonment.
The ODPP said the outcome underscores the importance of protecting children, particularly those living with disabilities, from sexual violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
The case also highlights the role of parents and guardians in promptly reporting suspected abuse and supporting victims through the justice process.
The convict has 14 days to appeal the decision.
