This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On February 10th, 2018, Kenyan singer Wendy Kemunto's birthday turned into a harrowing ordeal as she was repeatedly raped by two Kenyan rugby players, Frank Wanyama and Alex Mahaga.
The court has since found the duo guilty of the heinous crime, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Speaking during the court proceedings, the prosecution team urged the court to sentence the two to 15 years imprisonment or even life imprisonment, citing the severity of the crime.
However, the defense team pleaded with the court to consider the duo and give them a non-custodial sentence, citing the difficulties they have faced since the incident.
"It's been a tough time for them," the defense team said. "They have not participated in a single match, they have endured all manner of public humiliation. They have already been discontinued from school, and they have not been allowed to participate in a single rugby game."
Wendy Kemunto's case has brought attention to the issue of rape and gender-based violence in Kenya, with many calling for the government to declare rape a national disaster.
"The 15 years imprisonment will be a lesson to the youth," a prosecution team member said. "It is high time that rape is declared a national disaster. It will send a message to the youth that it is not cool to take advantage of another because of gender."
