A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of defiling a 12-year-old girl in Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the conviction was secured at Kombewa Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Jocelyn R. Kimetto found the man guilty of defilement.

The court heard that the offence occurred on May 18, 2022, at around noon, when the minor returned home from school feeling unwell.

According to the prosecution, the girl was staying at her aunt’s home with the aunt’s husband, who was the accused, and their three children.

The prosecution told the court that the man carried the minor to a bedroom and defiled her. The court further heard that the incident was allegedly the fourth time he had assaulted the child and that he threatened to kill her if she disclosed the abuse.

The girl later reported the incident to her aunt, who took her to hospital for examination before reporting the matter to police.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Carolyn Kiptum led the prosecution, which presented three witnesses to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Among the witnesses was a clinical officer whose examination findings and medical history were consistent with defilement, according to the prosecution.

The accused denied the charges, claiming he had been framed by his wife. However, the court rejected his defence and found him guilty under Section 8(1) and (3) of the Sexual Offences Act.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and granted 14 days to appeal the decision.