By Grace Gilo
A Kwale court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to Evans Oganda Ogega for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old schoolgirl.
The incident took place on September 8, 2021, in Mwaoni area, Diani location, Kwale County.
Kwale Resident Magistrate Hon. Ruth Ogolla, after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution, which included Allen Mulama, Wangari Mwaura, Nandi Rosemary, and Collins Orwa, concluded that it was compelling and undeniable.
Five prosecution witnesses provided consistent and corroborative testimonies, leading to the conviction.
It was revealed in court that Ogega attacked the victim as she entered her family home to fetch water while her mother was outside.
“He forcibly assaulted her, silencing her with a cloth to prevent her from screaming,” stated the ODDP.
The mother, concerned by the delay, went to inquire about her daughter’s whereabouts and found the accused leaving the premises.
She also found her daughter in distress, with her school skirt stained.
The mother alerted neighbours, who reacted with anger.
Prompt police intervention prevented the mob from harming Ogega and was safely taken to Diani police station, where he was charged with defilement.
During his defense, Ogega claimed innocence and alleged that he was falsely accused and set up by the victim’s family.
Despite his pleas for acquittal, Hon. Ogolla ruled in favour of the prosecution, stating that they had proven the crucial aspects of the case: the victim’s age, the act of penetration, and the accurate identification of Ogega as the perpetrator.
“Despite his claims of innocence and his plea for acquittal, Hon. Ogolla determined that the prosecution had successfully proven the critical elements of the case: the victim’s age, the occurrence of penetration, and the accurate identification of Ogega as the perpetrator,” read the statement from ODPP in part.