A Kericho court has sentenced a 22-year-old man to life imprisonment for defiling a 7-year-old girl in Sondu Township.
The accused was found guilty of defilement after the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that on 19th December 2024, the victim was washing dishes outside their rental house when the accused lured her into his house under the pretext of sending her to the shop.
He then locked the door and, under threats of violence, defiled her.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Counsel Susan Chomba, presented forensic evidence, including the victim’s blood-stained clothes and medical reports confirming the attack.
The convict initially fled but was apprehended a week later in Katitu after the victim positively identified him.
In her ruling, Resident Magistrate Claire Odunga noted the severity of the crime and the lasting harm inflicted on the child.
She upheld the mandatory life sentence, stating it serves as a warning to perpetrators of sexual violence against children.
