Two sentenced to 30 years in jail for sodomizing 16-year-old boy

Two middle-aged men have been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment each for sodomising a 16-year-old boy in Kericho County in 2023.

The suspects, Ezekiel Tanui and Derrick Kipngeno Kirui, were sentenced by Kericho Principal Magistrate Fredrick Nyakundi.

They are reported to have committed the offence on diverse dates between October 20 and November 17, 2023, in Baraka village, on the outskirts of Kericho town.

Testifying before the court, the minor explained that he had travelled to Kericho from Kepkelion on October 20, 2023 to attend the year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations after dropping out of school.

However, he found himself without enough bus fare to return to his village. The victim then recounted meeting Tanui, who offered him a place to stay in his rental house.

“After running out of money, he sought help from Ezekiel Tanui, who took him to his rental home in Baraka Village, Kericho East Sub-County. Tanui proceeded to defile the minor on multiple occasions between 20th October and 17th November 2023,” said the ODPP in a statement on X.

“Seeking refuge, the victim turned to Derrick Kipngeno Kirui, who took him in. However, Kirui also defiled him.”

Medical examinations revealed that both accused individuals were HIV-positive. They faced two charges each: defilement and an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child, as well as the deliberate transmission of HIV.

“However, the court acquitted them of the second charge after medical tests confirmed that the victim was HIV-negative. They were found guilty of defilement and sentenced to 30 years in prison each,” said the ODPP.