By Dorothy Musyoka
A 29-year-old man from Tana River County has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling a 10-year-old girl.
The verdict was delivered today at the Garissa Magistrate Court, marking the end of a harrowing 65-day trial that saw six witnesses testify against the accused, Anwar Said Balozi.
The court heard that the heinous crime took place on October 10, 2021, in Ziwani village, Mororo Sub-Location, within Tana-North Sub-County.
According to Prosecuting Counsel Evans Fiki Kazungu, Balozi waylaid the young victim as she was collecting firewood in a nearby bush.
The minor recounted how Balozi strangled her, pinned her to the ground, and subjected her to the brutal act, leaving her with severe injuries that required hospitalization for seven days.
Prosecution presented 6 witnesses during the 65-day trial.
“The court heard that Balozi waylaid the victim when she was out collecting firewood in a nearby bush.The minor testified that Balozi strangled and pinned her to the ground before committing the act. He also inflicted serious injuries that led to her being hospitalized for 7 days,” explained the ODPP.
Following the crime, Balozi fled the scene and remained at large for three years.
His run from the law came to an end on December 25, 2024, when he was finally apprehended by authorities.
Resident Magistrate Hon. Robert Lemayan, in delivering the judgment, stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.