Kandara, Murang’a County, a 39-year-old man is fighting for justice after he was allegedly sodomised by a prominent local church elder. The victim claims that the church elder, who is also a businessman, drugged him with whisky before committing the heinous act. Despite filing a police report and the initial arrest of the accused, the investigation has faced serious setbacks, with allegations of corruption and misconduct.
The victim recounts that on the night of the incident, he was offered a bottle of whisky by the church elder. As he consumed the drink, he began to feel disoriented and later woke up in the early hours of the morning to find himself sodomised. The accused allegedly took him to a hospital but then disappeared, leaving the victim to deal with the aftermath alone. A small bottle of ointment found at the scene was also reported, which the victim believes was used in the assault.
Following the incident, the victim reported the matter to a local police post, leading to the businessman’s arrest. However, the case soon took a troubling turn. According to the victim, the investigation stalled, and he began receiving threats and offers of money to withdraw his complaint. He claimed that one of the investigating officers threatened him with arrest if he refused to drop the case and subsequently handed him Ksh. 60,000, which he used for medical expenses. Despite this, the businessman was released under unclear circumstances.
The victim’s claims of bribery and intimidation have cast a shadow over the integrity of the police investigation. He has reported feeling abandoned by his friends and shunned by his community, exacerbating his trauma and sense of injustice.
Kandara Sub-County Deputy Police Commander, Pauline Letangule, confirmed that the matter was concluded after the victim voluntarily withdrew his case. She defended the police, stating that the businessman was out on police bond and that the file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). However, Letangule added that the documentation, including the P3 form, was deemed insufficient for prosecution.
The lack of progress in the case and the alleged misconduct by law enforcement have raised serious questions about the handling of such sensitive matters. The victim’s experience highlights potential systemic issues in addressing allegations of sexual violence, particularly when powerful individuals are involved.
The community’s response to the case has been mixed, with some expressing sympathy for the victim while others remain skeptical of the allegations against the church elder. The accusations of bribery and corruption have further polarized opinions, making it difficult to ascertain the full truth of the situation.
As the investigation into the allegations continues, the victim’s quest for justice remains fraught with challenges. The case underscores the need for transparency and accountability in handling sexual assault cases, particularly when influential figures are involved. It also highlights the broader issues of corruption and misconduct within law enforcement agencies, calling for reforms to ensure that victims receive the support and justice they deserve.
The Kandara community and stakeholders are closely watching the developments in this case, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and accountability. The victim’s bravery in coming forward and the ongoing scrutiny of the investigation serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing sexual violence with the seriousness it demands.
