A court in Kilifi County on Monday, December 8 sentenced a local farmer to 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl while working as an employee of her grandmother.

Principal Magistrate Hon. Ivy Wasike sentenced Hamisi Kazungu after expressing satisfaction with the evidence provided by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP, represented by Prosecution Counsel Nancy Njeru, called four witnesses to prove its case, leading to the conviction.

The incident was reported on the 9th of January 2025. On the fateful day, Kazungu is said to have lured the minor and assaulted her using his fingers. Despite her young age, the victim courageously testified in court, and her mother’s prompt action ensured the matter was reported immediately.

In his unsworn defence, Kazungu claimed the allegations were fabricated following a salary dispute, a claim the court dismissed.

Hon. Wasike ruled that the prosecution witnesses’ testimony was firm and consistent, proving the case beyond reasonable doubt. She also highlighted that the medical evidence and other exhibits satisfied the legal threshold for conviction.

The magistrate described the accused’s defence as weak and disjointed, unable to counter the magnitude of the evidence presented.

In addition to the 15-year jail term, the court ordered a psychosocial assessment for the victim to support her recovery.