A 90-year-old farmer from Kilifi, Kea Katana Mdudu, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for defiling his 6-year-old stepdaughter.
The verdict was handed down on Friday by Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Daniel Sifuma Sitati, who found Mdudu guilty under sections 8(1) and 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.
The offense occurred on July 16, 2019, in Mwaeba Pangani village, Tsangalaweni, Ganze Sub County, Kilifi County. The court heard that the victim’s mother had left her daughter in Mdudu’s care while she attended to her business.
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Upon her return, she discovered the abuse taking place on their matrimonial bed and immediately alerted neighbors. Mdudu was subsequently detained by the community until police arrived and arrested him.

The prosecution, led by Ridhwan Mohamed, presented testimonies from five witnesses, including the victim, which proved crucial in establishing Mdudu’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Sitati highlighted the gravity of Mdudu’s betrayal, noting that as a stepfather, he was expected to protect and care for the child, not harm her.
“This court cannot overlook the severe breach of trust and the heinous nature of the crime committed by the accused. The victim, an innocent child, was subjected to an unimaginable violation by someone she should have been able to trust,” said Magistrate Sitati.
He emphasized that the 30-year sentence serves as a stern warning to deter similar acts of sexual and gender-based violence in the county.
Hon. Sitati stated that the substantial prison sentence serves as a deterrent against defilement and other sexual and gender-based violence offenses in the county.