- Msambweni Magistrate Leah Wandia Kabaria handed down the sentence against Athmani Juma following his conviction over the incident that occurred in June 2025.
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling a seven-year-old child in Kwale County, with the court finding that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Msambweni Magistrate Leah Wandia Kabaria handed down the sentence against Athmani Juma following his conviction over the incident that occurred in June 2025.
In its ruling, the court noted the severe impact of the abuse on the child, including trauma that forced the survivor to drop out of school and undergo counselling.
"In view of the foregoing, I do find the prosecution has proved their case to the required standard. I hereby convict the accused person of the charge under consideration being defilement contrary to section 8 (1) as read with section 8 (2) of the Sexual offences Act no.3 of 2006 under the provisions of section 215 of the Criminal procedure code," read part of the Judge's ruling.
International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya welcomed the sentence, describing it as an important step towards justice for the child and a demonstration of the value of coordinated efforts between communities and justice institutions in protecting children.
“This sentence is an important step toward justice for the survivor and demonstrates what is possible when communities and justice institutions work together to protect children and hold offenders accountable,” said Aggrey Juma, Manager of the Violence Against Women and Children Programme at IJM Kenya.
The organisation said the case was concluded in just over a year, from the time it was reported to sentencing, describing the timeline as a significant achievement in handling child sexual abuse cases.
According to IJM Kenya, the case was resolved through the coordinated efforts of community members, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and criminal justice actors.
Community members and paralegals from Tunawajali Wajane helped protect the child, preserve evidence and report the matter to police for investigation. Healthcare workers documented the abuse and provided medical care, while justice officials helped secure the conviction.
IJM Kenya served as victim counsel for the child and family throughout the proceedings. The organisation also facilitated counselling and psychosocial support to help them navigate the justice process and begin recovery.
The organisation further commended the Msambweni Court Users Committee for improving coordination among justice actors and case management through standard operating procedures aimed at reducing delays in the justice system.
“Today's sentence is an important milestone for the survivor and a testament to what is possible when justice institutions work together to protect children. We are particularly encouraged by the speed with which this case was concluded. Timely justice matters for child survivors and strengthens confidence in the justice system,” Juma added.
IJM Kenya said it would continue supporting the child and family through counselling, psychosocial care and other services to promote long-term wellbeing.