A court in Kabarnet has sentenced a man to 20 years in prison after finding him guilty of defiling a 12-year-old girl in Baringo County, in a ruling that reinforces Kenya’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual violence against children.
Highlights:
- Kimosop Rutto convicted for defiling a 12-year-old girl in Baringo
- Incident occurred on June 1, 2023, at the minor’s home
- Prosecution presented five key witnesses
- Magistrate cited the need for strong deterrent sentencing
- Offender to serve a 20-year term without parole
Main Story:
The Kabarnet Law Courts on Tuesday issued a 20-year prison sentence to Kimosop Rutto after he was found guilty of defiling a 12-year-old girl. Senior Principal Magistrate Edwin Mulochi delivered the verdict, emphasizing the need to protect children from sexual predators and impose stiff penalties on violators.
According to court records, the incident took place on June 1, 2023, at the victim’s home in Koibour village, located in Koitilion sub-location of Baringo County. The girl testified that Rutto attacked her while she was alone at home, an account that was corroborated by four other witnesses.
The prosecution successfully demonstrated that Rutto’s actions constituted both defilement and an indecent act with a minor, as defined under Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act of 2006. Magistrate Mulochi noted that the testimony from the victim and witnesses was consistent and credible, leaving no doubt about the offender’s guilt.
In his sentencing remarks, Magistrate Mulochi cited Article 53(1)(d) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees every child protection from abuse and neglect. He added that harsh penalties are necessary to deter would-be offenders and reaffirm the state’s duty to safeguard minors.
When the justice system acts boldly, it sends a clear message: the rights of children are not up for debate
