A court in Baringo County has sentenced a middle-aged man to 20 years in prison after he was found guilty of defiling a 13-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy.

Nicholaus Akeno was convicted by Senior Resident Magistrate Edwin Mulochi at the Kabarnet Law Courts after the prosecution presented strong evidence proving the offence took place over a period stretching from April 2022 to February 2023 in Nginyang village, Tiaty East Sub-County.

According to court records, the minor testified that Akeno, who was familiar to her family, approached her while she was home alone. The victim later gave birth in August 2023. Her condition was first suspected by a close relative, who noticed physical changes and signs of illness.

The case was formally reported to Nginyang Police Station on April 30, 2023. A medical examination conducted at Chemolingot Health Centre on May 2, 2023, confirmed the pregnancy and provided critical evidence in the case. Clinical Officer Fredrick Kiplagat told the court that the girl was approximately 24 weeks pregnant at the time of examination.

Akeno was charged with defilement under section 8(1)(3) of the Sexual Offences Act and also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child under section 11(1) of the same Act.

In mitigation, the accused pleaded for leniency, stating he was a first-time offender and promised not to reoffend. However, the court held that the severity and impact of the offence warranted a firm custodial sentence.

“The prosecution presented sufficient evidence to support the charges,” said Magistrate Mulochi, while delivering the judgment. “The court must protect the rights and dignity of minors and send a clear message against such offences.”

Akeno was sentenced to 20 years in prison and granted 14 days to file an appeal.