A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Migori Law court for defiling an 11-year-old girl.
In a statement on Friday, May 30, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Jacob Mwita was found guilty of committing the crime on March 10, 2023.
According to court proceedings, Mwita approached the victim as she was walking home from school in the Suna East area.
In a calculated act of predation, he dragged the young girl into a nearby bush and subjected her to the horrific act of defilement.
"Court heard that Jacob Mwita, had on 10th March 2023 in Suna East, followed the minor victim, on her way from school, before dragging her into a bush and defiling her," the statement read.
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The trauma experienced by the young victim went unreported for several days until she experienced severe stomach pains and difficulties in passing urine, that the ordeal came to light.
As her condition worsened, she was taken to the hospital, where medical professionals began to piece together her story.
"The minor did not disclose the ordeal until 4 days later when she was taken to the hospital over a severe stomach ache and difficulty in passing urine," the statement added.
Following her medical evaluation, the case was promptly reported to the Migori Police Station, where officials began the investigation process.
"The matter was reported at Migori Police Station, and the incident was booked. She received further medical treatment at Migori County Referral Hospital and was discharged in fair condition.
"A P3 form was duly filled, and the suspect was arraigned to answer to the charges of defilement under Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006," the statement noted.
In his judgment, Hon Matthias Okuche expressed confidence in the prosecution's evidence, stating that they had proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In delivering the life sentence, Judge Okuche emphasized the need for deterrence given the prevalence of such offenses in the area.
"In convicting and sentencing the man, Hon Matthias Okuche found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and could not be impeached by the defence.
"He further held that there was the need for deterrence given that the offence was rampant within the area," the statement concluded.
