Kwale: man jailed for life for sexually assaulting seven-year-old Grade Two pupil

Msambweni Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Leah Kabaria delivered the sentence on Friday, October 23, 2026, citing the lasting psychological and physical trauma suffered by the child.

According to the charge sheet, Athman Juma committed the offence on June 7, 2025, in Viphalani village, where he intentionally and unlawfully sodomised the minor, who was then a Grade Two pupil. The court heard that the incident left the child traumatised and contributed to his dropping out of school because of stigma.

Kabaria said a report presented to the court showed that the child was still struggling to recover nearly a year after the incident, and had to live with other family members to support his recovery. "The report says that the child was affected even a year after the incident, and prompted him to live with other family members to support his recovery," she said.

She said the abuse had continued to disrupt the child's life long after the incident, affecting his ability to sleep and requiring continued counselling. Because of the lasting impact of the offence, she said, the court found life imprisonment a suitable sentence. Juma was given 14 days to appeal.

The International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that sexual offences against children will not go unpunished. Aggrey Juma, manager of IJM Kenya's Violence Against Women and Children Program, said the ruling showed the importance of cooperation between communities and justice institutions in protecting children and holding offenders accountable.

"This sentence is an important step toward justice for the survivor and demonstrates what is possible when communities and justice institutions work together to protect children and hold offenders accountable," he said.

Tuwajali Wajane Director Mwanasha Gaserego welcomed the timely conclusion of the case, saying justice should not be delayed, especially in cases involving child sexual abuse. Mohamed Mwakuyala, an officer with the Justice Restoration and Children's Care Organisation, commended the Msambweni Law Courts for prioritising the case and setting a time for its hearing, and urged other courts to adopt the same approach to avoid delays in cases involving vulnerable children.

Social Justice Centre official Mwaka Mbugua said the life sentence should serve as a warning to those who commit sexual offences against children and stressed the need to hold perpetrators accountable.