A Murang’a court on Monday sentenced a 36-year-old man to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of defiling his six-year-old daughter.
Resident Magistrate Amelea Awino found Benson Wanu guilty of sexually abusing his daughter on January 13, 2023 at a village in Murang’a East Sub County.
According to the prosecution, the accused is said to have committed the heinous act when his wife had gone to the river to fetch water.
In the absence of the mother, Wanu chased the oldest child out of the house and then proceeded to commit the crime.
The court further heard that when the mother of the minor returned from the river, in the company of the elder child, she found the accused bathing in the house, instead of the bathroom located outside.
According to the mother’s testimony, she told the court that a day after the incident when she was preparing the victim to go to church, she noticed semen oozing out of her genitals.
After asking the child what happened, the minor disclosed that it was her father who did the act to her.
While testifying before the court, the minor disclosed that even though she did not scream to attract attention, she felt pain during the incident.
A social worker from a children’s home in Murang’a where the minor is currently residing, said that the incident left the minor traumatized.
The Probation report presented before court further disclosed that the minor does not want anything to do with her father and shies off from discussing any issues relating to the matter.
“The minor has no interest in returning home. She shies away from discussing issues concerning the matter,” reads part of the probation report.
The report further disclosed that the accused was unapologetic and did not show any remorse, and refused to defend himself thus not worthy to serve a non-custodial sentence.
A medical report presented before court from Murang’a Level 5 Hospital showed that there were signs of penetration on the minor.
The Magistrate said the prosecution’s facts were beyond any doubt that the accused defiled the minor. The convict was given the right to appeal the sentence within 14 days.
By Bernard Munyao and Anjilwa Francis
