Governor Mutua wants serial rapists sentenced to life imprisonment

Machakos Governor greeting residents of Athi River after inspecting the Athi River solar street lighting program. [Erastuc Mulwa/Standard]

Persons convicted of defilement or rape more than three times should be handed a life jail term, Governor Alfred Mutua has proposed.

The Machakos county boss said only such action against serial sexual offenders in the society will protect children and women from exploitation and abuse by the few elements among men.

“I propose that serial rapists be jailed for life without parole. If one is convicted of three acts of rape or raping three different people, then the conviction should be life in jail. My angry side would have preferred castration but life in jail can also work,” Dr Mutua said after touring Athi River solar street lighting program Saturday night.

By so doing, Dr Mutua said, Kenyan women and girl child will enjoy living in a country where respect and dignity for women is guarded.

Governor Mutua interacting with school children after visiting Athi River Solar lighting project. [Erastus Mulwa/Standard]

The governor said he was touched by stories by the residents who said women used to be raped along the streets but after the lights were erected, the assaults stopped. He said cases of rape and defilement in the society ought to be dealt with ruthlessly against the perpetrators in order to restore and enhance dignity for all.

Mutua revealed his government had installed a total of 787 high mast lighting in shopping centers across the county as well as 751 street lights in various urban centers. “My desire is for the people of Machakos to operate a 24-hour economy. For factories to expand and people to get jobs, we cannot rely on day economy alone,” he said.

Dr Mutua further said his government through the ministry of Trade and Industrialization had put in place an attractive business environment for investors to set up factories within Machakos. “We will encourage such factories to work day and night in order to double the employment opportunities for the youth,” said Mutua.