By Grace Gilo
A Rongo law court has sentenced Fredrick Ojwang to 15 years imprisonment after the prosecution proved that charges of rape and assault causing actual bodily harm beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Fredrick raped and assaulted the woman on 28th March 2024, at around 2200 hours at Matufali village in Rongo Sub County, Migori Country.
The boda boda rider had promised to assist the victim, who was stranded in Rongo town after travelling from her home to visit a chief, although she was unaware of his residence.
“Principal Magistrate Hon. Susan Mutava sentenced Fredrick to serve 10 years for the offence of rape and an additional five years for the offence of assault,” stated the ODPP.
“Considering the evidence on record vis-à-vis the relevant provisions of the law and principles set through precedent, the prosecution’s case has been proven beyond reasonable doubt, and as such, the accused person is convicted for the offence of rape.” “I equally convict the accused person of the offence of assault causing actual bodily harm,” ruled Hon. Mutava.
The court found the victim’s testimony credible, as she presented her evidence coherently and candidly. Medical reports submitted to the court confirmed that there was indeed penetration.
Additionally, another witness testified that on March 28, 2024, at 11:00 PM, he passed through the Matofali area near a bush and saw a parked boda boda. He noticed two people on the ground and, after switching off his motorcycle, heard a woman screaming for help.
“The prosecution called four witnesses, and the case was prosecuted by Juliet Ombogo,” the ODPP added.