An Isiolo man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of defiling a 15-year-old child living with a mental disability.

The sentence was secured by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), following a successful prosecution at the Isiolo Law Courts.

According to the ODPP, the accused was charged with defilement contrary to Section 8(1), as read with Section 8(3), of the Sexual Offences Act. He also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child.

The prosecution, led by Prosecution Counsel Justice Mugambi, presented evidence from the complainant and five other witnesses before Hon. Maureen Odhiambo. The case was further supported by medical evidence.

The court found the evidence sufficient to establish the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the 25-year custodial sentence.

The ODPP said the outcome demonstrates its commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and pursuing justice in cases involving sexual offences against children.

The prosecution office said the sentence reinforces its efforts to ensure perpetrators are held accountable, particularly in cases involving children who may face additional vulnerabilities.

“The sentence reinforces the commitment of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to pursuing justice for vulnerable victims and holding perpetrators of sexual offences against children accountable,” the ODPP stated in a post on its X account.

The court has granted the convict 14 days within which to appeal the decision.

The case adds to ongoing efforts by Kenyan justice institutions to prosecute sexual offences involving children and ensure that evidence presented in court is subjected to judicial scrutiny before a conviction is reached.