Police Officer Jailed for 40 Years

A suspect in handcuffs
An undated illustration of a suspect in handcuffs
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A court in Kiambu County has jailed a police officer for 40 years for defilement.  

Gatundu Principal Magistrate H.M. Ng'ang'a ruled that police constable Paul Kipkoech will serve the prison term citing that he had been found guilty contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.

The 15-year-old girl had been taken into police custody at the station for what the police stated in court as a need for care and protection.

An empty court room.
An empty court room.
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The mother of the girl stated in court that she had handed her daughter over to the police the night before the incident. She claimed that the police officer took advantage of the girl who was vulnerable and helpless.

Two officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who appeared before the court as witnesses, informed the court that they visited the girl's home in Gatundu where they collected crucial evidence that was later presented as exhibits before the judge.

They detailed that the evidence had been preserved by IPOA laboratories and examined by investigators and chemists from the government.

Other 9 witnesses were presented in court by the prosecution to testify against Kipkoech.

In his defence, the police officer claimed that all the charges imposed against him were false and unsubstantiated.

Judge Ng'ang'a however disputed the officer's claims and ruled in favor of the victim.

“The exhibits presented by IPOA were collected a few days after the alleged offence and kept in their​ laboratory. The collection, packaging, sealing, labelling, storage and preservation of the said exhibits were clearly explained ensuring that they were not contaminated. I, therefore, find that the integrity of the exhibits remained intact.

“I find that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offense he is charged of,” the judge ruled.

Judge Gavel Hammer
Judge Gavel Hammer
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