By Dorothy Musyoka
A Turkana man, has been convicted by Lodwar Magistrate Court, after being found guilty of defilement and sexual assault against two minors aged 9 and 6 years.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in two different dates, the accused lured the two minors in his house by offering them yoghurt and sweets.
“The court heard that on diverse dates between 17th July 2023 and 19th July 2023 at Nakwamkwi in Turkana Central Sub-County, the accused, who was a neighbour, lured the two young girls to his house by offering them yoghurt and sweets,” stated the ODPP.
However, the 9 year old victim testified that the accused lured her to his home where he committed the indecent act upon herm, thus providing a detailed information of the incident.
Additionally, the 6 year old victim testified that she saw the accused commit the act and in return he assaulted her.
According to the prosecution, the testimonies corroborated by medical evidence and a neighbour who saw the 9 year old running scared from the accused’s house.
Lead Counsel Robert Otieno and Baranga Limo, called five witnesses, successfully proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court dismissed the accused’s defence that he was away in Bungoma at the time of the incident, stating that his alibi was not proved and failed to displace the strong evidence from the prosecution’s witnesses, including the minors’ credible and consistent testimonies.
In her judgment, Hon. N.M. Idagwa ruled that the accused was positively identified by the minors, as he was a neighbour known to them, making it a case of recognition.
Satisfied with the evidence, the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.