79-year-old man jailed 10 years for indecent act with autistic child

John Mwangi Thuku was convicted following a prosecution by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The case stemmed from an incident on May 1, 2025, when the child's mother reportedly found Thuku engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with the minor.

According to the prosecution, the child had wandered away from home and her mother was searching for her when she came across the incident.

She raised an alarm, attracting neighbours to the scene.

Thuku had initially been charged with attempted defilement contrary to Section 9(1) as read with Section 9(2) of the Sexual Offences Act.

The prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Elizabeth Waruguru and Prosecution Counsel Sarah Kitui, called seven witnesses during the trial.

Although the child was unable to testify, the court found that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficiently corroborated and established Thuku's identity and conduct beyond reasonable doubt.

The court consequently convicted Thuku of committing an indecent act with a child under Section 11 of the Sexual Offences Act, pursuant to Section 179 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.