This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 3, 2020, a horrific incident occurred in Kanyange village, Igambang’ombe Sub County, Tharaka-Nithi County. A man, later identified as John Mwenda Mutegi, offered a mentally challenged woman Sh50 to engage in a sexual act, but she declined. In a disturbing turn of events, Mutegi went ahead and raped her.
The woman's screams for help were heard by villagers, who rushed to her aid and took her to the Chuka County Referral Hospital. An examination confirmed that she had been raped. Mutegi was arrested by police on May 8, 2020.
On Monday, Mutegi appeared before Resident Magistrate Njoki Kahara and pleaded guilty to the charges. He begged for forgiveness, promising not to repeat the crime. The court found him guilty of rape and sentenced him to eight years in jail, with 14 days to appeal if he was not content with the judgment.