John Kamau, a former deputy headteacher, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison after being found guilty of defiling a 13‑year‑old pupil in Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County. The ruling is in accordance with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, which prescribes a lengthy custodial sentence for defilement of children aged between 12 and 15 years.
Resident Magistrate Evangelista Kithinji delivered the ruling, noting that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the minor’s evidence was consistent, detailed, and credible. Her account was supported by medical reports and corroborating testimonies from the investigating officer and her mother.
The defence failed to discredit the prosecution’s case, with the court dismissing claims about the minor’s conduct as irrelevant. Magistrate Kithinji emphasized that the accused had abused his position of trust and authority as a teacher.
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During mitigation, Kamau admitted fleeing to Machakos after the incident, where he contemplated suicide before relocating to Ciakariga in Chuka with the help of a good Samaritan. He later secured employment as a curriculum coordinator at a private school.
The victim’s family lawyer, Karuga Mbugua, welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message against sexual offences involving children and the abuse of trust by educators.
The offences were committed between April and October 2023, with the victim’s testimony forming the cornerstone of the case.
By Masaki Enock
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