Two men have been handed 28-year prison terms by a Kilifi court after being convicted of defilement. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) released a statement confirming the court’s decision.
The two convicts, aged 21 and 19, were involved in the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Kilifi. While the older man directly carried out the defilement, the younger man did not physically participate. Nevertheless, the court held him responsible for watching the crime unfold without intervening, noting that he had the chance to prevent it but failed to act.
Court documents indicate that the victim had gone outside her home to collect her shoes when she was confronted by the two men, who were her neighbors. The court highlighted that even passive witnesses could face serious legal consequences when they neglect to act to stop a crime in progress.
The ruling is seen as a stern warning against sexual violence and the dangers of indifference in criminal situations. The ODPP emphasized that justice has been served and that communities must remain alert to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation or harm.
