This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
On September 30, 2019, a court in Kapenguria handed down a 17-year prison sentence to Issah Kemoi, a 28-year-old man found guilty of sodomizing and grievously harming his three-year-old son.
The incident occurred at Riwo Ward in West Pokot County, where Kemoi was accused of committing the heinous crimes against his biological child.
According to the court's findings, Kemoi was guilty of two counts: having carnal knowledge of his son against the order of nature, and causing grievous body harm to a minor.
Principal Magistrate Hon. Samuel Mutai presided over the case and delivered the verdict, stating that Kemoi's actions were unacceptable and deserving of severe punishment.
"Considering that it is his first offense, I, therefore, sentence you to 17 years in prison for both counts," the magistrate said.
The court also heard testimony from five witnesses who corroborated the child's account of the abuse, with one witness describing the child's injuries, including burns on the thighs, a cut penis, a broken clavicle, and a fractured shoulder.
The child was hospitalized for two weeks and underwent treatment, with medical reports confirming that he had been sodomized and was in pain due to his inability to urinate.
The prosecution argued that the case had been proven beyond reasonable doubt, and the court agreed, handing down the 17-year sentence.
