The High Court in Migori has increased a 20-year prison sentence to life imprisonment for Paul Otieno Ojwang, who was convicted of defiling a 9-year-old girl in Ombo area, Migori County.
Ojwang was initially sentenced by a lower court in October 2022 to serve 20 years behind bars after being found guilty of the grave offence.
Dissatisfied with the sentence, Ojwang appealed, claiming that the punishment was excessively harsh.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), through Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution M. Ikol Esaba, opposed the appeal.
Esaba argued that the initial sentence was too lenient given the young age of the victim and the severity of the crime.
She urged the High Court to impose a life sentence to serve as a stronger deterrent against such offences.
After reviewing the appeal, the High Court agreed with the prosecution’s submission.
The court enhanced Ojwang’s sentence to life imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of the offence and the need for stringent punishment to protect vulnerable children.
This ruling sends a strong message in the fight against sexual violence against minors and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights in Kenya.
Ojwang will now serve life imprisonment, a sentence that aligns with the seriousness of the crime committed against the young victim.
EACC Recovers Public Land Worth Sh320 Million In Western Kenya Amid Growing Land Fraud Cases
