A Kilifi farmer jailed for 15 Years for defiling daughter

BY ERIC ABUGA

A Kilifi farmer, Safari Karisa Lewa, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after the Prosecution proved that he defiled his 14-year-old daughter.

The shocking crime occurred between September and October 2023 in Rojorojo area, Kilifi County where court heard that the accused repeatedly violated his daughter and threatened to harm her if she disclosed the abuse.

Summoning immense courage, the minor confided in her headteacher through a handwritten letter. The teacher immediately intervened, ensuring the child’s safety before reporting the matter to the police. 

The swift action paved the way for the suspect’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

During the trial, Prosecution Counsel Nancy Njeru, presented five witnesses whose testimonies corroborated the victim’s account. The evidence established the three critical elements of a defilement case: the complainant’s age, proof of penetration, and positive identification of the perpetrator.

In her ruling, Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike emphasized that the defence advanced by the accused was too weak to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

“The accused is hereby convicted of the offence of defilement and sentenced to serve 15 years imprisonment. He has a right of appeal within 14 days,” ruled Ms. Wasike.

The magistrate further noted that the sentence should serve as a strong deterrent against sexual offences, especially those committed within the family unit.