By Reporter
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Kwale has secured a conviction and a 30-year prison sentence for a middle-aged man who defiled his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
In her ruling, Resident Magistrate Hon. Ruth Ogolla found Mangisi Chaka Mangisi guilty of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006.
He was also convicted of committing an indecent act on a child contrary to Section 11(1) of the same Act.
The magistrate noted that the five prosecution witnesses had presented watertight evidence warranting conviction and sentencing.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Collins Orwa and Prosecution Counsel Mahdy Twalib represented the prosecution in the case.
The offences occurred in Kayawaa village, Waa location, Matuga Sub-county, Kwale County, between April 2021 and November 2022.
During the trial, the court heard that the accused repeatedly abused the minor while she was under his care.
The matter came to light on January 4, 2023, when the victim disclosed the abuse to her guardian.
Following the report, police were alerted, and the victim was taken to Kwale Sub-county Hospital for medical examination, with a P3 form completed as part of the evidence.
On January 13, 2023, police officers, together with the victim and her guardian, visited Lungalunga, Mwamose Village, to record statements from individuals linked to the case.
Witnesses corroborated the victim’s account during the interviews.
The accused was arrested on January 22, 2023, and subsequently tried in court.
The conviction and sentence mark a significant step in ensuring justice for the minor and sending a message that sexual offences against children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
