A 18-year old girl from Kwale county shocked the country when she stood before the court and defended a man who sexually violated her in July 21 2017 at Millennium area, Diani location, Kwale County.
The man, charged with defiling the teenager was set free after the victim told a Kwale court that she and her baby have been depending on him for their upkeep. The girl, fighting tears, defended the accused who was charged with defiling and impregnating her last year when she was 17.
There was a sombre mood and silence in the courtroom as the girl narrated her ordeal to Senior Resident Magistrate, Patrick Wambugu, who was presiding over the hearing. Seemingly devastated and overcome by emotion, the girl broke down while narrating her ordeal to the point that the magistrate had to ask her to take a breather before she could continue.
She told the court that after becoming pregnant, her parents chased her away and the suspect had been taking care of her even after she delivered the baby.
When the court asked her if she was ready to give a sworn testimony, she readily agreed and took an oath while holding a Bible.
“It is true the accused impregnated me after which I was chased away from home. He took care of my pregnancy and now I am 18-years-old,” she said while pleading with the court to set him free.
According to the young girl, although they did not live together, the suspect takes care of her and her baby and that is why she was requesting that he be acquitted.
“If you jail this man, I will suffer greatly. I request that he be set free to help me bring up the child,” begged the victim.
Taken aback, the magistrate read his final verdict in which he freed the accused under section 204 of the Penal Code.
“The complainant is now 18-years-old and she has attained the age of maturity. I have nothing to hold against the accused but tears of the complainant allow withdrawal of the case,” ruled Mr Wambugu.
What are your thoughts on this story?