This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On April 1 this year, Mr. John Mwangi was accused of committing an indecent act on his 13-year-old step-daughter and defiling her. The case drew widespread attention, with many questioning the initial decision to release him on bail.
Chief Magistrate Margaret Wachira found Mr. Mwangi guilty of the first count, but released him on the second count, citing a lack of DNA evidence to prove that the pregnancy belonged to him.
However, in a shocking turn of events, the same magistrate later found Mr. Mwangi guilty of the second count, ruling that he had indeed defiled his step-daughter. The magistrate noted that Mr. Mwangi had not denied making sexual advances towards the victim, and that the law allows for conviction even in the absence of witnesses.
Mr. Mwangi's wife had previously been arrested for burning his motor vehicle, and was remanded at Muranga GK Prison. The victim and her siblings were taken to a children's home, where the pregnancy was later discovered.
On October 24, 2019, Chief Magistrate Margaret Wachira sentenced Mr. Mwangi to eight years in prison, stating, 'I find you guilty of the offense and although the maximum sentence is 10 years, I will jail you for 8 years.'
