A 90-year-old man from Kilifi County has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for defiling his 6-year-old stepdaughter. The sentencing of Kea Katana Mdudu, who committed the heinous act on July 16, 2019, in Mwaeba Pangani village, Tsangalaweni, Ganze Sub County, was handed down by Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Daniel Sifuma Sitati.
The court found Mdudu guilty under sections 8(1) and 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006, following a meticulous prosecution led by Ridhwan Mohamed. The prosecution successfully demonstrated Mdudu’s culpability through compelling testimonies from five witnesses, including the young victim.
Magistrate Sitati, in his ruling, emphasized the breach of trust and societal norms evident in Mdudu’s actions. The court noted that the minor, who should have been under the care and protection of her stepfather, instead suffered a grave violation of her innocence. The Magistrate remarked that Mdudu’s actions were a severe deviation from societal standards of decency and responsibility.
The harrowing details of the case were brought to light during the trial. The victim’s mother recounted the tragic sequence of events, revealing that she had left her daughter in Mdudu’s care while she attended to her business. Upon her return, she was horrified to discover the abuse happening on their matrimonial bed. Her immediate reaction was to alert neighbors, who intervened promptly, detaining Mdudu until law enforcement arrived and arrested him.
Magistrate Sitati underscored the importance of the sentence as a stern deterrent against defilement and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence. He stressed that the severe penalty reflects the gravity of the crime and the need to uphold justice for the victims of such heinous acts.
The case has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for heightened vigilance and protective measures for children in the community. It also underscores the critical need for robust enforcement of laws designed to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
As Kilifi County grapples with the ramifications of this case, it serves as a grim reminder of the importance of community vigilance, support for victims, and unwavering commitment to justice.
