Two middle-aged men have been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment each for the sodomization of a 16-year-old boy in Kericho County, a crime committed in 2023.
Ezekiel Tanui and Derrick Kipngeno Kirui were sentenced by Kericho Principal Magistrate Fredrick Nyakundi.
The court heard that the offenses occurred "on diverse dates between October 20 and November 17, 2023, in Baraka village, on the outskirts of Kericho town."
The minor testified that he traveled from Kepkelion to Kericho on October 20, 2023, to attend Mashujaa Day celebrations after dropping out of school, but lacked sufficient bus fare for his return.
The victim then recounted meeting Tanui, who offered him shelter in his rental house.
"After running out of money, he sought help from Ezekiel Tanui, who took him to his rental home in Baraka Village, Kericho East Sub-County. Tanui proceeded to defile the minor on multiple occasions between 20th October and 17th November 2023," stated the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on X.
"Seeking refuge, the victim turned to Derrick Kipngeno Kirui, who took him in. However, Kirui also defiled him."
Medical examinations confirmed that both accused individuals were HIV-positive. They faced charges of defilement, an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child, and the deliberate transmission of HIV.
"However, the court acquitted them of the second charge after medical tests confirmed that the victim was HIV-negative. They were found guilty of defilement and sentenced to 30 years in prison each," the ODPP said.