A man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of defilement, contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006, by the Kabarnet Law Courts.

He also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child, contrary to Section 11(1) of the same Act.

The offences occurred on June 1, 2023, at Koibour village, Koitilion Sub-Location, Ewalel Soi Location, in Baringo South Sub-County.

The court determined that the convict — Kimosop Rutto — intentionally and unlawfully committed the heinous act against a 12-year-old girl.

The prosecution, led by Ms. Rebecca Bartilol, presented five witnesses whose consistent and credible testimonies proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, culminating in the conviction.

While delivering the sentence, Senior Principal Magistrate Edwin Mulochi underscored the gravity of the offence and its lasting impact on the victim.

He emphasized the importance of imposing stringent penalties to deter such crimes and referenced Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution, which mandates the protection of children from abuse.