Elijah Mburu, 97, who is serving a 21-year prison sentence set to end in 2031, has explained the circumstances that led to his incarceration.
Mburu told Simon Kibe’s Jamba TV that his troubles began after he impregnated a young woman with twins. “I was supposed to go to Narok to find a new wife. However, my son brought a young woman home, saying she was ready to be a wife,” he said. He added that he believed the young woman was 18 years old and claimed he had no intention of committing a crime.
The elderly man admitted that his mistake was failing to meet the young woman’s family before the relationship. He expressed his hope to reunite with the mother of his twins after his release. “I even built her a house. I will join them after I am released. I did not think I would end up in prison. I have accepted what happened and can only ask God to forgive me,” Mburu said.
Court documents, however, show that the young woman was underage. The prosecution stated that Mburu assaulted her when she sought refuge at his house on August 31, 2017. Neighbors reported the incident, and Mburu was taken to Mau Narok police station. His son also testified against him.
Despite pleading for leniency due to his age and remorse, the court sentenced him to 21 years, stating the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Under Kenyan law, defilement is a serious offense. Any sexual activity with a person under 18 is illegal, regardless of consent. Even if the accused believes the victim is an adult, it is not a defense unless all reasonable steps were taken to verify their age.
