Homa Bay man handed life in jail for defiling five-year-old minor

The convict has 14 days to appeal the verdict. [Courtesy]

A 25-year-old farmer has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling a five-year-old minor in Homa Bay county.

 Paul Juma Rwaka who appeared before Ndhiwa court was found guilty of defiling the minor.

 The court heard that Rwaka had carnal knowledge of the minor contrary to the Sexual Offences Act on February 20, 2019, at Minyere Village, South Kanyikela Location in Ndhiwa Sub-county.

 But Rwaka denied the offence, leading the case to a full hearing.

 During the hearing, Rwaka is said to have committed the act at the house where the victim lived with her mother at 7pm.

 The minor’s elder sister who testified in the court said she found the Rwaka washing his private part in a jerrican after committing the offence as the minor bled and cried in pain.

 Medical reports also proved that Rwaka defiled the minor.

 Rwaka who used to be a friend of the victim’s family took advantage of the friendship to molest the minor.

In delivering the judgment, presiding magistrate Vincent Kiplagat said the evidence adduced before the court proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the Rwaka was guilty.

 “The evidence produced before the court is overwhelming. This is a clear indication that the accused committed the offence,” said Mr Kiplagat.

 Rawaka pleaded for leniency on grounds that he is the only son and the sole breadwinner who supports his mother.

  He also requested the court to give him a lesser sentence so that he could serve and return home.

 The convict was given 14 days to appeal the verdict.