This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On February 20, 2019, a heinous crime was committed in Minyere Village, South Kanyikela Location in Ndhiwa Sub-county, Homa Bay county. Paul Juma Rwaka, a 25-year-old farmer, was found guilty of defiling a five-year-old minor by Ndhiwa court.
According to the court, Rwaka had carnal knowledge of the minor contrary to the Sexual Offences Act. The incident occurred at 7pm at the house where the victim lived with her mother. The minor's elder sister testified in court that she found Rwaka washing his private part in a jerrican after committing the offence, as the minor bled and cried in pain.
Medical reports also proved that Rwaka defiled the minor. The court heard that Rwaka, who used to be a friend of the victim's family, took advantage of their friendship to molest the minor.
Presiding magistrate Vincent Kiplagat delivered the judgment, stating that the evidence adduced before the court proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Rwaka was guilty. "The evidence produced before the court is overwhelming. This is a clear indication that the accused committed the offence," said Mr Kiplagat.
Rwaka pleaded for leniency, citing that he is the only son and the sole breadwinner who supports his mother. However, his plea was rejected, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Rwaka has 14 days to appeal the verdict.
