Two men have each been sentenced to 20 years in prison after courts in Kwale County convicted them in separate cases involving the defilement of 13-year-old schoolgirls.
The convictions were secured after prosecutors presented witness and medical evidence that the courts found sufficient to prove both cases beyond reasonable doubt.
Highlights
- Two men have each received 20-year prison sentences.
- Both cases involved 13-year-old schoolgirls in Msambweni.
- One offence occurred in 2022, while the other was reported in 2025.
- Courts found the prosecution evidence sufficient to sustain the convictions.
- Both convicts have 14 days to appeal.
Main Story
Two Separate Cases End in 20-Year Sentences
Two men have been handed lengthy prison terms after being convicted in separate child defilement cases in Kwale County.
The cases were heard in courts serving Msambweni Sub-County, with both accused persons found guilty under provisions of the Sexual Offences Act.
22-Year-Old Convicted in First Case
In the first case, 22-year-old Mboga Abubakar Bedera was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of defiling a 13-year-old schoolgirl.
Principal Magistrate Rose Ombata found Bedera guilty of the offence, which occurred on December 30, 2022, in the Malalani area of Biani Location.
The court heard that the girl had arrived at Bedera’s residence with three other children.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Bedera allegedly sent the other children away and prevented the girl from leaving the house.
The court further heard that the girl raised an alarm before Bedera allegedly assaulted her.
She later disclosed what had happened to the parents of another child before her own parents reported the matter to police.
The girl was subsequently taken to Msambweni Hospital, where she received medical attention and underwent examination.
Court Finds Evidence Sufficient
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Collins Orwa, called four witnesses during the trial.
Magistrate Ombata found their accounts credible and supported by medical evidence, concluding that the prosecution had established the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Bedera was convicted under Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act.
58-Year-Old Jailed in Second Case
In a separate case, 58-year-old Chamambo Mangale Ngati was also sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of defiling a 13-year-old Grade Five pupil.
Resident Magistrate Joy Mutimba convicted Ngati under Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(4) of the Sexual Offences Act.
The offence was said to have occurred on October 9, 2025, at around 7am in the Madingo area of Diani Location, Msambweni Sub-County.
The court heard that the girl was heading to school when Ngati allegedly took her into a room and sexually assaulted her.
After the child disclosed the incident, her mother raised an alarm and, with the assistance of another man, apprehended Ngati.
He was subsequently taken to Diani Police Station and placed in custody.
The girl was examined and treated at Diani Health Centre, where the relevant medical documentation was completed.
Court Calls for Deterrent Sentences
The prosecution, led by counsel Khamis Mahdi, presented four witnesses in the second case.
The court found their evidence consistent and sufficient to establish the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
While sentencing Ngati, Magistrate Mutimba noted the prevalence of cases involving school-going children and said a deterrent punishment was necessary to strengthen the protection of minors.
Both Men Given Right to Appeal
Following their respective convictions and sentences, both Bedera and Ngati were granted 14 days within which to appeal against their convictions and sentences.
The cases underscore the legal consequences facing individuals convicted of sexual offences against children under Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act.
Protecting children requires more than punishment after harm occurs it also demands vigilance, safe communities and swift action whenever a child is at risk.
