This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On March 22, 2018, a heinous crime shook Kongasis village in Nakuru County. A 49-year-old woman was gang-raped by a group of men, leaving her with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Charles Keitany, one of the perpetrators, was recently brought to justice. Senior Resident Magistrate Yvonne Khatambi handed him a 25-year prison sentence after finding him guilty of the crime.
The court's decision was based on overwhelming evidence, including the testimony of the victim and witnesses, as well as a medical report that confirmed the victim's injuries.
According to the prosecution, the victim was grabbed from behind and raped in turns by the assailants. Despite her attempts to scream and resist, she was overpowered and left with severe physical and emotional trauma.
Keitany's defense team claimed that he was not present at the scene of the crime and that the victim was actually his customer who had failed to pay for food. However, the court rejected these claims and found Keitany guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Magistrate Khatambi noted that a deterrent sentence was necessary to reflect the severity of the crime. She stated, 'I am satisfied that the prosecution has successfully proved forceful penetration. The accused is hereby convicted to 25 years' imprisonment.'
Keitany's mitigation plea for leniency was also rejected by the court. He had claimed that he was the sole breadwinner for his family and that a harsh sentence would cause them undue hardship.
