A man identified as Athumani Juma has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of defiling a seven-year-old boy in Lungalunga Sub-County, Kwale County.
Juma was convicted on October 5, 2026, by the Msambweni Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court after the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the incident occurred on June 7, 2025, at Vivalani Village, where Juma allegedly lured the child to his house with the promise of sweets before sexually abusing him.
The accused reportedly threatened the boy against disclosing the incident, leaving him frightened and reluctant to speak about the ordeal.
The child initially confided in his brothers before a relative discovered a worrying physical condition that prompted questions about what had happened.
On June 14, 2025, the relative sought an explanation, prompting the boy to disclose the abuse and identify Juma, a water vendor known to him, as the person responsible.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and the suspect was apprehended by members of the public before being handed over to law enforcement officers.
Investigators launched inquiries into the incident and gathered evidence to support the prosecution’s case.
During the trial, five prosecution witnesses testified against Juma, who denied the charge and claimed he had been framed.
However, the court dismissed his defence, finding the child’s testimony credible and consistent. Medical evidence presented during the proceedings also corroborated the child’s account.
The court consequently found Juma guilty of defilement contrary to Section 8(1), as read with Section 8(2), of the Sexual Offences Act and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The DCI said the case demonstrates the importance of timely reporting, thorough investigations and cooperation between communities and justice institutions in ensuring perpetrators of child sexual abuse are held accountable.
The agency further urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse without delay, warning that silence can prevent vulnerable victims from accessing justice.
“Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and silence must never be allowed to shield perpetrators from justice,” the DCI stated.
Members of the public can report suspected child abuse at the nearest police station, through the DCI toll-free line on 0800 722 203, or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating sexual offences and all forms of violence against children, emphasizing the need for communities to speak out and support efforts to protect vulnerable minors.
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