A 49-year-old man, Ruphas Micheni Kinyua, has been sentenced to ten years in prison after being found guilty of raping a 23-year-old woman in Tharaka Nithi County. The sentence was handed down by Chuka Resident Magistrate Oscar Wakina on Thursday.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the incident took place on the night of September 12, 2023. Kinyua reportedly lured the victim to his home under the false pretense of offering her a job as a house help.
“The complainant met the accused on September 12, 2023, at around 9pm at Mbogori in Chogoria, Tharaka-Nithi County along the road. The accused promised the complainant a job as a house help,” stated the ODPP.
Once at his residence, Kinyua and the victim had a meal together. Shortly afterward, he left the house, locking the woman inside. He later returned at midnight, raped her, and locked her inside again before leaving once more.
The following day, on September 13, Kinyua returned around 1 pm and released the victim. Before letting her go, he handed her a Ksh.100 note and his phone number, instructing her to call him.
As she was heading home, the victim encountered her aunt, who had been searching for her. The aunt encouraged her to report the incident, leading to an official complaint being filed at the Mbogori Police Post in Chogoria.
Law enforcement officers acted swiftly, arresting Kinyua, who was later charged in court. The prosecution, led by Prosecution Counsel Emmaculate Hyimo, presented strong evidence, including testimonies from four witnesses, among them a doctor and the investigating officer.
Additional evidence submitted in court included the P3 form, PRC form, and medical treatment notes, all of which substantiated the case against Kinyua.
Following the trial, Magistrate Wakina found Kinyua guilty and sentenced him to a decade behind bars. The ruling marks a significant step in seeking justice for victims of sexual violence in Kenya, reinforcing the importance of prompt reporting and thorough prosecution of such crimes.
