NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 28 — A Kilifi pastor has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after he was convicted of defiling his 15-year-old cousin twice, with the court hearing that he used fasting, prayers and claims of a divine vision to gain access to the minor.

📻 Breaking It Down

The pastor was convicted of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006, over offences committed on diverse dates between June 2023 and February 2024.

Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and rejected the pastor’s defence.

“I find merits in the prosecution’s case on the principal charge of defilement. The accused person is hereby sentenced to serve 30 years’ imprisonment,” Mwaniki ruled.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP)said the case centred on the relationship of trust between the accused, a pastor at the church where the girl worshipped, and the minor, who was also his cousin.

According to evidence presented in court, the girl accepted an invitation from the pastor to fast with him and his wife for what she understood to be spiritual cleansing.

She later asked to return home to have her hair plaited, but the pastor allegedly insisted that she remain at his house and do it there.

The court heard that she was served supper and slept in a room with the pastor’s two children.

She testified that she was later awakened when the pastor and his wife entered the room. The court heard that the wife allegedly covered the girl’s mouth while the pastor defiled her.

The pastor allegedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed what had happened.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya