Eldoret: Man handed life sentence for defiling his niece

A middle-aged man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after an Eldoret court found him guilty of defiling his 10-year-old niece seven years ago.

Henry Wanyoike Laiban was handed a life sentence by Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Kimani Mukabi.

The court heard that Laiban, who was staying alone in a one-roomed house in Kimumu Estate along the Eldoret-Iten highway, is the younger brother of the complainant's mother.

He had been charged with defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act. The particulars were that on July 14, 2018, at Kimumu Estate in Ainabkoi sub-county, Uasin Gishu county, he defiled a 10-year-old girl.

During plea-taking, the accused denied the charges. The prosecution called four witnesses.

In her testimony, the minor told the court that her uncle lured her into his house on the pretext of helping him sweep, as they are neighbours and share a gate.

The court also heard from Dr. Irene Simiyu from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), who testified that medical examination revealed findings consistent with defilement. A P3 form was produced as an exhibit.

When put on his defence, the convict chose to remain silent and did not call any witnesses.

In his judgment,  Mukabi said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the offence was grave and serious. He informed the convict of his right to appeal within 14 days.