A man convicted of defiling his 16-year-old niece has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Kericho Law Courts after a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence from six witnesses. The accused had been entrusted with the care of the orphaned girl but was found to have abused that responsibility, with the court noting that he had failed to provide the protection and guidance expected of a caregiver.
The case was prosecuted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Mercy Chelangat before Resident Magistrate Hon. Odunga.
According to evidence presented in court, the first incident occurred on August 16, 2025, in Kimwokit Village, Belgut Sub-County, Kericho County. The girl was reportedly heading to a posho mill when her uncle called her into his house, dragged her into his bedroom and sexually assaulted her. He allegedly threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the incident.
The minor later confided in her grandmother, who is the accused’s mother, but was allegedly discouraged from disclosing what had happened.
A second incident was reported on August 23, 2025, when the accused allegedly confronted the girl in her grandmother’s kitchen and began touching her indecently while attempting to remove her clothes. Her screams attracted another uncle, who intervened and helped rescue her.
The following morning, the girl sought help from a village elder, fearing that her grandmother would not support her if she reported the matter again. The elder accompanied her to Sosiot Police Station, where the incident was reported. The accused was arrested by members of the public in Bomet County on November 10, 2025, after reportedly going into hiding. He was subsequently taken to Sosiot Police Station.
During the trial, the prosecution relied on the complainant’s testimony and that of five additional witnesses to support its case. In its ruling, the court highlighted the accused’s abuse of the trust placed in him and his exploitation of a vulnerable child who depended on him for care and protection.
